Newspaper headlines: 'Widdecombe murder inquiry' and 'Strike Norse'
The murder inquiry of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe leads all the front pages. The Daily Telegraph writes "the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform spokesman was found dead in a pool of blood in her Dartmoor bungalow on Thursday". Police have since arrested a "26-year-old white British man", according to the paper, who remains under questioning "on suspicion of murder".
"Abject terror" is the Daily Mail's headline, referring to the "shock" expressed by Widdecombe's family in the wake of her death. It adds that it was a gardener who found her with serious head injuries at her home on Thursday, as "fears for her wellbeing had been raised after she failed to turn up for a TV appearance".
"Politicians tell of shock at Widdecombe 'killing'," writes the Guardian, which reports that police do not believe "that the killing was politically motivated" after counter-terrorism officers ruled it out. A separate headline reads "at least 12 die in Almería wildfire", four of whom authorities believe are British, describing it as one of "Spain's deadliest wildfires".
Continuing with political reactions, the Times quotes outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisting it was a moment "to rise above our differences". Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says he was "deeply, deeply upset" and warning "things have become even more dangerous" for those in politics, according to the paper.
The Daily Express pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe as a "legendary Brexiteer and Express columnist" in its lead story about her murder investigation.
The i Weekend says the prime minister and political leaders remember Widdecombe as a "distinguished politician", with the paper remarking she "delighted millions" when she appeared on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Meanwhile, another story says the sole contender for the Labour leadership Andy Burnham will set out his plans to "target energy bills, bus fares and student loans within days of entering No 10".
The main photograph on the Independent's front page shows Ann Widdecombe "enjoying her Devon retreat" that the paper says "became a crime scene".
"Strictly star 'killing' shock," reads the Daily Mirror's top story. Separately, "Strike Norse" embedding a photo of England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, previewing "Lions ready to roar past Norway into the semis" of the World Cup.
"MP Ann: Murder suspect arrested," the Daily Star says.
"Shock over ex-MP & Strictly star" the Sun says. In its World Cup preview of Norway v England, the paper writes: "Today is gonna be the day that we're gonna row it back to you", a reference to the Viking Row celebration playfully altering Oasis's Wonderwall lyrics.
Finally, the Financial Times leads with the investor firm Apollo securing "a deal to buy EasyJet for £5.7bn, in a last-minute twist to the takeover battle for the low-cost airline". The move "gatecrashed" an earlier £5.5bn agreement between EasyJet and US private credit group Castlelake, marking what the paper calls "the latest episode in a protracted takeover saga".