Counter-terror police take over Ann Widdecombe death probe
Counter-terrorism police are now leading the Ann Widdecombe case update after new information and evidence emerged, officers said on Monday. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences as investigators pursue multiple lines of enquiry into the former minister's death in Devon.
The shift marks a dramatic escalation in one of the UK's most closely watched criminal investigations. Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday having sustained serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked the previous day at about 12:30.
Key Takeaways
- Counter Terrorism Policing South East has taken over the investigation following new evidence.
- A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
- Officers are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for the attack.
- Devon and Cornwall Police had earlier said there was nothing to suggest the killing was politically motivated.
- Police have received more than 120 reports of information since launching a public appeal.
Why have counter-terror police taken over the Ann Widdecombe case?
Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said new information and evidence came to light during what it described as a "dynamic and complex investigation." That prompted the specialist unit to assume lead responsibility from Devon and Cornwall Police.
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said the move builds on progress made by local officers. "We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation," he said, according to BBC News.
Taylor added that investigators are "pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack." The Guardian reported that the counter-terrorist police chief cited new evidence as the reason his team assumed control of the case.
What do we know about the suspect?
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July. He has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The BBC reported that CCTV footage appeared to show the suspect getting into a car in Yorkshire hours before Widdecombe is thought to have been attacked at her Devon home.
How did the investigation change over the weekend?
On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters there was "nothing to suggest" the murder was politically motivated, though officers remained "open-minded" about a potential motive.
Longman also said there was not thought to be any threat to the wider public. The reassessment that followed new evidence has now placed the inquiry under counter-terrorism command, a significant shift in how the case is being handled.
For ongoing coverage of major UK investigations, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section. Taylor urged anyone with information to contact police, saying the priority is progressing the investigation quickly with all available capabilities.