The investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe has been escalated to counter-terrorism officers, marking a significant shift after initial assertions by local police that the crime was not linked to terrorism. The change in approach follows the discovery of materials at the suspected killer's home suggesting a connection to Russian communist literature and other political ideologies.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially stated for several days that there was no link to terrorism. This stance has drawn criticism from the Reform UK party, which has accused the force of misleading the public. Detectives are reportedly examining whether the 78-year-old former Conservative minister's death may have been a premeditated attack targeting Reform UK.
Senior officers are now facing pressure to explain the reasons behind the force's early and public dismissal of terrorism or political motives. The Daily Mail has launched a poll asking whether the police force should be investigated for its handling of the initial stages of the inquiry.