Counterterror police investigating the death of former British politician and reality television contestant Ann Widdecombe stated Tuesday that she was the victim of a “targeted attack.”
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and terror offenses and remains in custody as the investigation proceeds.
“It is clear that this was a targeted attack,” Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, told reporters. “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack."
Widdecombe, 78, a former member of Parliament, was known for her socially conservative views, opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights. Her death has sent shockwaves through the British political sphere, where she was a prominent figure for decades.
Police indicated that they believe Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday afternoon. She failed to appear for a scheduled television interview that afternoon and was discovered deceased the following day at her isolated rural home in southwest England. Police have not disclosed the cause of death, only stating that she sustained “serious injuries.”