A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder as police say the former Conservative minister’s death is not currently being treated as terrorism or politically motivated.

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former UK MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was discovered dead on Thursday morning.

A 26-year-old British man was arrested on Friday afternoon in Newton Abbot on suspicion of her murder. The suspect remains in police custody while detectives continue their investigation.

Authorities said the murder inquiry is in its early stages and have appealed to the public for any information that could assist investigators.

Following consultations with counter-terrorism officers, police confirmed the case is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

Investigators also said there is no evidence at this stage to suggest the attack was politically motivated. Officials added that it is too early to determine whether the suspect had any previous connection to Widdecombe.

Detectives are continuing forensic examinations and witness inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the former MP’s death.