The man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the 26-year-old man is no longer part of the investigation.

The force arrested the man after the shocking death of the prominent Eurosceptic was announced early on Friday morning.

She was found at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after serious injuries.

Ms Widdecombe was a beloved politician and public figure, serving as an MP for over two decades, taking a decade-long hiatus from politics before becoming a Brexit Party MEP and a Reform UK spokeswoman.

On Saturday, the force confirmed it was still investigating the case.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: "Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

"Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

Mr Longman said the investigation was "moving at a significant pace".

He added: “We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened."

The police are still appealing for anyone who may have information about the incident.

Mr Longman said any information "however insignificant it may seem" may help the case.

REMEMBERING ANN WIDDECOMBE:

"We will release further information when we are able to do so," he added. "In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media.

"This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.

"The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened."

Police on Friday said the investigation was not being treated as terrorism and forensic examinations were being conducted.

Devon and Cornwall Police also previously said there was no reason to believe the murder was politically motivated.

A Major Incident Public Portal has now been established for information, images or footage to be submitted.

Information can also be handed anonymously through Crimestoppers, he added.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said her death was a "terrible reflection on modern Britain".

He added: "And I do fear that for anybody in public life, or especially the political space, things have become even more dangerous today."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for politicians across the political divide to "come together at a moment like this" following her death.