A relative of the man being questioned in connection with the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has spoken out, saying that several details surrounding the case do not appear to make sense. The suspect’s uncle said he was left shocked and emotional after learning that his nephew had been arrested, describing the moment as something he never expected and struggling to understand how such a situation could have happened.

Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former government minister, was found dead at her home in Haytor, on Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday. Police said she had suffered catastrophic head injuries, and a murder investigation was launched following the discovery.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham was later arrested outside his home after answering the door to officers from counter-terrorism police. He remains in custody on suspicion of murder, as well as suspicion of offences relating to the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Investigators believe the suspect may have travelled almost 270 miles from South Yorkshire to Widdecombe’s home in Devon before returning on the same day. The distance involved and the timeline of events have raised questions, particularly among those who knew the man and were familiar with his normally quiet lifestyle.

The suspect’s uncle told the BBC that he found the situation extremely difficult to understand. He said there were aspects of the case that did not appear to fit with what he knew about his nephew’s daily routine and behaviour.

“Things don’t add up,” he said, questioning how someone who lived such a restricted and predictable life could have carried out such a journey. He explained that travelling such a long distance there and back in a single day would have required significant planning and effort.

The uncle added that he would regularly pass by his nephew’s home and usually saw the car parked outside. According to him, the vehicle was present almost every day, making the reported journey seem even more surprising.

He said the news of the arrest left him physically shaken. “My legs went like jelly,” he explained, describing his reaction when he discovered that his nephew was the person being questioned by police.

Although he lives nearby, the uncle said he had not had a close relationship with his nephew for many years and had not properly seen him for around a decade. Despite this distance, he said the allegations were difficult to accept because they did not match the person he believed his nephew to be.

Neighbours have also described the 28-year-old as someone who rarely left his home but was generally polite and friendly whenever they interacted with him. They said he would sometimes help neighbours by receiving parcels for them and was not known for causing problems in the area.

Residents said much of his time was spent inside the family home, particularly while caring for his father, who was an amputee and later died from cancer in December. The suspect was described as having devoted much of his life to looking after his father, carrying out daily tasks and helping him with his needs.

One neighbour said that, because of the quiet and caring lifestyle he had been known for, he was the last person they would have imagined becoming involved in such a serious case.

Neighbour Courtney Foster recalled seeing him help his father while he was still alive, including taking him shopping. However, after his father’s death, she said he appeared to become even more isolated and was rarely seen outside.

The investigation has continued to develop, with counter-terrorism officers taking a leading role. Police activity was seen outside the suspect’s home on Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham as officers carried out inquiries.

Reports suggest CCTV footage may show the suspect leaving his home several hours before Widdecombe was believed to have been attacked. Neighbours said a vehicle left the property between approximately 7.30am and 8am and returned later that afternoon at around 5.30pm or 6pm.

One neighbour said she noticed the unusual movement of the car at the time, as it was not something she commonly saw. She recalled being surprised when she saw the vehicle had gone because the suspect was usually at home.

Residents also claimed that CCTV footage appeared to show what looked like a wooden baton or similar object sticking out from the pocket of the suspect’s cargo shorts while he was leaving the property.

As police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death, the suspect’s family members and neighbours remain focused on trying to understand what may have happened. Those who knew him have expressed disbelief, saying the allegations appear completely out of character compared with the quiet, private person they had known for years.

The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to establish the full sequence of events and determine the motive behind the alleged attack.