Devon and Cornwall police released a 26-year-old man from custody early on Saturday, clearing him of suspicion in the murder investigation of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
The individual had been apprehended on Friday at a property in Newton Abbot, located under 10 miles from where the incident occurred.
Authorities previously specified they were searching for a white male before detaining the British national.
Emergency medical services discovered Widdecombe with severe injuries at her residence in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 a.
m. on Thursday.
Law enforcement officials later ruled out terrorism or political motivations.
Investigation Ongoing
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman provided updates regarding the status of the ongoing law enforcement operations.
"Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined," said Longman.
He explained that detectives are currently pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to clarify the events surrounding the former politician's death.
"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," said Longman.
Longman emphasized that the agency is dedicating substantial human and technical assets to resolve the case rapidly.
"We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened," said Longman.
The Assistant Chief Constable urged members of the public to come forward if they possess any relevant details, regardless of how minor the data might seem.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us," said Longman.
The department requested the public to refrain from circulating unverified theories online out of respect for the grieving family.
"We will release further information when we are able to do so.
In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media," said Longman.
Longman concluded by noting that internet speculation harms operational integrity and compounds the grief of the victim's relatives.
"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," said Longman.
