Nigel Farage warns 'world is more dangerous now than ever' as manhunt for Ann Widdecombe's killer steps up
Nigel Farage has warned the "world is more dangerous now than ever before" as a manhunt for Ann Widdecombe's killer steps up.
The leader of Reform UK paid a tribute to his "remarkable" colleague and political ally, who was found dead at her Devon bungalow on Thursday morning.
It was announced yesterday a murder investigation was underway. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest of a 26-year-old man.
But the search for a culprit has continued after the white male was released from custody. The force said the 26-year-old man is no longer part of the investigation.
Laying a wreath in her memory outside her home, Mr Farage shared an emotional tribute to Ms Widdecombe, with whom he had worked for many years.
He revealed that he had spoken with her as recently as last week.
Speaking to reporters, he discussed the circumstances around her death, including the latest details released by Devon and Cornwall Police earlier today.
Officers said they believe the attack took place the day before Miss Widdecombe's body was found.
"I don't think it pays at this moment in time to speculate," Mr Farage said.
"But what I do think we can say, and how extraordinary, of course, that David Amos was such a very, very close friend of Anne's and an indeed godmother to David Amos's daughter.
"What it does say is that the people now in public life, especially in politics, the world is very much more dangerous than it's ever, ever been, whatever the outcome of the motives of the killer."
Mr Farage said that, with modern technology, authorities will find the resolution "very, very quickly".
He added there were "no words" he had for the killer following the "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," the Reform UK leader said.
Yesterday, Ms Widdecombe's death was described as a "terrible reflection on modern Britain", according to Mr Farage, who has warned of increasing dangers facing politicians.
In the past, Mr Farage has spoken out about fears over his own security and safety, with the leader often facing public threats.
Over the course of his political career, he has been the victim of unruly attacks on several occasions, from daylight eggings to thrown milkshakes and once finding himself trapped in a pub as aggressors closed in.
Amongst the controversy lies a £5million donation from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Chris Harborne, which Mr Farage told journalists was to go towards lifetime security.
He described the importance of his personal security and claimed he would need protection "until the day that I die".
When Mr Farage announced his resignation as MP last week, he said: "I've been attacked again and again, and I am the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times."