Counter Terrorism Policing says Ann Widdecombe’s death in Haytor, Devon, followed a targeted attack. Laurence Taylor, the head of National Counter Terrorism, said investigators were still trying to establish the motive and how much planning was involved.
Widdecombe, 78, was a former Conservative minister and later a Reform UK spokeswoman. Taylor described the attack on her in her home as brutal. Counter Terrorism Policing South East is leading the murder investigation after new evidence emerged following an arrest in South Yorkshire.
A 28-year-old man remains under arrest on suspicion of murder and of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police have obtained a warrant allowing them to hold him for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act. Searches at an address in Rotherham are continuing, alongside other inquiries including digital forensic work.
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