Haytor, United Kingdom. Former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe was killed in what police described as a “brutal” and “targeted attack”, as a counter-terrorism investigation continues alongside a murder inquiry.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the suspected murder has not been declared a terrorist incident.
Arrest and investigation
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday. She had served as a Conservative MP and government minister before becoming a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. He was later re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Taylor said detectives had been granted additional time to question the suspect, who can be held for up to seven days without charge under the current warrant. Any further extension would require additional legal approval.
Lines of inquiry
Taylor said police were examining a number of lines of inquiry, including Widdecombe’s public appearances on the day of her death.
He confirmed that an interview she gave to TalkTV that morning was being reviewed as part of the investigation.
“The suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe has not been declared a terrorist incident,” Taylor said, adding that the counter-terrorism inquiry was running in parallel with the murder investigation.
Government response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the suspect was not previously known to the government’s Prevent anti-extremism programme.
Police have defended their initial handling of the investigation following criticism of their response after Widdecombe’s death.
