Police are continuing to question a 28-year-old man in connection with the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman. The suspect, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday with serious injuries.
Counter Terrorism Policing has taken over the investigation after new information came to light. National Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor stated that the new arrest builds on progress made by Devon and Cornwall Police, and that efforts are underway to establish the motivation for the attack. "Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us," Taylor said. "If anyone has any information, please share it with the police."
Authorities had initially had 96 hours to charge the suspect under the original murder arrest. However, individuals arrested under the Terrorism Act can be held for up to two weeks without charge. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously stated that there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated.
CCTV footage shows the suspect entering a car in Yorkshire on Wednesday morning, hours before Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked at her home in Devon around 12:30 p.m. that day. Her body was discovered at her house on Friday. The suspect was first arrested on Saturday and later released before the Monday re-arrest. The distance between Rotherham, where the suspect was arrested, and Haytor, Devon, where Widdecombe lived, is approximately 263 miles.