Devon and Cornwall Police have again urged people not to speculate on social media about the death of the ex-Tory minister, who was found in her home on Thursday
Detectives investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe say they have made the decision to not release the descriptions of any suspects or CCTV footage.
They fear releasing the information prematurely could compromise their inquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.
Devon and Cornwall Police also urged people not to speculate on social media about the death of the ex-Tory minister, who was found in her home on Thursday. It comes after Nigel Farage made the astonishing claim the murder was “premeditated”.
ACC Matt Longman said: “The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis.
“We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation. I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media.”
Anne was found bludgeoned to death in her remote bungalow on Thursday morning. The alarm had first been raised when she could not be reached for a tv appearance on Wednesday, 24 hours before her body was found.
Police arrested a man on suspicion of her murder on Friday but said on Saturday that he had been released. The only description they have of any suspect was that they believed him to be a white, British male.
No CCTV footage or any further descriptions have been released by the force. ACC Longman said today: “We have been working at pace on this investigation. Officers are making progress and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.
“At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.
“The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation.
“I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media. If you have any relevant information and have not yet reported, please do so via the major incident public portal.
“Our thoughts remain with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this sad time. They continue to be supported by specialist officers. We will provide updates as and when we are able to and thank you for your patience.”
Murder detectives previously said they believe Ms Widdecombe, 78, was was killed 24 hours before her body was found at the property in Haytor, Dartmoor.
Reports suggest they are working on the theory the attack was a burglary gone wrong at lunchtime on Wednesday.
Devona and Cornwall Police said they believe the attack took place on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12.30pm. They said at the time they were searching for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.
A police cordon was still in place at the house today and forensics officers were seen entering the property.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the house today to lay flowers. He said: “There are no words that I can utter that somebody who’s committed this act of barbarity against an innocent 78-year-old lady who wouldn’t harm a fly.
“I just hope that the killer is caught as quickly as possible and brought to justice, that’s all I can say.”
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