Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has defended her force's handling of the investigation into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe. Her remarks come after criticism that police initially downplayed potential links to terrorism before counter-terrorism officers took over the case.
Ms. Hernandez stated that it is not unusual for information to emerge during a fast-paced investigation that alters its nature. "As the Home Secretary (Shabana Mahmood) 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," she said in a statement.
Counter-terror officers assumed control of the investigation on Monday, five days after Ms. Widdecombe's body was discovered at her home on Dartmoor. Local officers had initially stated on Friday night that the incident was not being treated as terrorism and that there was no evidence to suggest a politically motivated crime.
Reform UK had claimed that police misled the public, with board member Gawain Towler suggesting that police attempted to close off lines of inquiry early on. Ms. Hernandez countered these claims, emphasizing the dynamic nature of criminal investigations.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the suspect, a 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder and terror offenses, was not known to the government's deradicalisation program, Prevent. The suspect was arrested in Rotherham, south Yorkshire, nearly 300 miles from Ms. Widdecombe's home. Police had previously arrested and later released a local labourer in error.
Investigators have reportedly found items of varying political ideology, including Russian material, at the suspect's home and on electronic devices. A large police cordon remains in place near Ms. Widdecombe's residence, although Ms. Hernandez indicated that the area would return to normal operations in the coming days.
The killing has also brought renewed attention to the safety of politicians, recalling the murders of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox. Ms. Hernandez paid tribute to Ms. Widdecombe, describing her as "an exceptionally likeable character."