Counter-terrorism police have said they believe the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe was a "targeted attack".

The 78-year-old politician was found dead at her home on Dartmoor last Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. A 28-year-old man remains in police custody for a third day after detectives were granted additional time to question him.

Widdecombe, a devout Catholic, had recorded an interview with Christian radio station TWR-UK via Zoom at 11.54am on Wednesday, around 20 minutes before police believe she was killed.

During the interview, she discussed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's decision to trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "It is clear that this was a targeted attack.

"We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation that sits behind that attack."