Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Counter-terror police have confirmed that the alleged murder of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was a “targeted attack”, although investigators say they still do not know the motive behind the suspected killing.
The 78-year-old politician was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday. Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) has since taken over the investigation from Devon and Cornwall Police after what officials described as “new information and evidence” emerged during the inquiry.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Targeted Attack Confirmed
Speaking to reporters, Counter-Terror Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the murder investigation would run alongside a separate terrorism investigation. “It is clear that this was a targeted attack,” Taylor said, adding that officers were examining “the extent of the planning and preparation” behind the alleged killing.
He confirmed that investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including extensive digital forensic examinations, and did not rule out the possibility that other Reform UK politicians could have been considered targets.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Suspect Held Under Terrorism Act
A 28-year-old man was arrested on Saturday evening in Rotherham, nearly 300 miles from Widdecombe’s Devon home. Initially detained on suspicion of murder, he was later re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, according to CTP. Police have obtained a warrant for further detention, allowing the suspect to be held for up to seven additional days under terrorism legislation. Shabana Mahmood said the suspect was “not known” to the government’s Prevent counter-extremism programme.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: What Happened on July 8?
Investigators believe Widdecombe was killed at approximately 12:30 pm on July 8. Earlier that day, she appeared on a Christian radio station between 11:54 am and 12:10 pm and also took part in a TalkTV interview via video link from her home, known as Widdecombe’s Rest. She was scheduled to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright Show at 1 pm, but failed to respond to producers.
Producers sent a Zoom link at 12:48 pm and followed up minutes later with the message, “Hi Ann is everything ok?” During the live programme, presenter Matt Allwright confirmed that Widdecombe had stopped responding.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Body Found Nearly 24 Hours Later
Widdecombe’s domestic assistant reportedly discovered her body at 11:40 am the following day, creating a nearly 24-hour gap during which the former MP, who lived alone, could not be contacted. Channel 5 later confirmed that all relevant information had been passed to police after news of her death emerged.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Political Motive Under Investigation
Police are investigating whether the killing may have been politically motivated. According to reports, investigators examining the suspect’s electronic devices discovered Russian and communist material and are now working to establish his political views. A CCTV image reportedly shows a man believed to be the prime suspect leaving his Rotherham council house in a red hatchback shortly before 8 am on July 8, hours before Widdecombe is thought to have died.
Another man arrested earlier in the investigation in Newton Abbot has since been released with no further action.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Counter-Terrorism Probe Expands
Taylor said officers have carried out “extensive searches” and continue to gather evidence. Under UK law, terrorism suspects can be held without charge for up to 14 days, significantly longer than the standard 24-hour limit for most criminal investigations. Alison Hernandez said she had spoken directly with counter-terror chief Laurence Taylor to ensure a smooth transfer of the investigation. “More information can come to light that changes the nature or character of what the police are dealing with,” Hernandez said, expressing confidence in the response of Devon and Cornwall Police.
Ann Widdecombe Murder Latest News: Investigation Continues
Authorities have stressed that the incident has not yet been formally declared a terrorist attack, and detectives are continuing to examine both criminal and terrorism-related aspects of the case. Counter-terror police have urged the public not to share unverified information while inquiries remain ongoing.
(The information is based on inputs from agencies)
