Ann Widdecombe killed in "targeted attack", counter-terror police say
The ex-Tory minister and former MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday
Last updated 14 minutes ago
Counter terrorism police investigating the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe have said she was killed in a "targeted attack" and they are still working to understand the motive.
The ex-Tory minister and former MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday (9 July).
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence came to light, but a senior officer stressed the murder and terror investigations are currently working “in parallel”.
A 28-year-old white British man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire on Saturday (11 July) and then rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
In an update this afternoon (14 July) Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.
He added: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations.”
"It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home."
The senior detective also told reporters “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.
“I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.
“The two investigations are running in parallel,” he added.
“In terms of the preparation and planning, we are aware that there has been some preparation and planning. I don’t want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage.”
Miss Widdecombe’s body was discovered at about 11.40am on Thursday at her remote bungalow. She had sustained serious injuries.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday the suspect was not known to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent.
Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner has defended her force from criticism after counter-terror officers were drafted in to take over the Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry.
The force has faced significant criticism over its initial handling of the inquiry and the fact it was five days in until more senior and experienced counter-terror officers took over from local detectives.
In a statement outside Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters this afternoon (14 July), Alison Hernandez said: “As police and crime commissioner, I have personally spoken to the head of counter terrorism, Laurence Taylor, to thank him for the resources he offered early on, and to seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation.
“There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.
“Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death. I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.
“My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character. ”
She added: “I have been assured officers and staff will be returning to business as usual over the coming days, which are also expected to be particularly busy with two final legs of the World Cup and the start of school holidays.”
Miss Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, and went on to become an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.