The murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being treated as an act of terrorism, police have said.
A 28-year-old man, who was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Speaking to the Commons on Monday, home secretary Shabana Mahmood said he was not known to counter-terrorism programme Prevent, which supports people who are at risk of becoming involved with terrorism.
She also said that guidance would now be offered by police to MPs following Miss Widdecombe’s death.
Counter-terrorism police have claimed that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation, after working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police after Ms Widdecombe was found dead with “serious injuries” in her Haytor residence at 11.40am on Thursday.
Head of national counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
Read MoreWhat happened to Ann Widdecombe?
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Key Points
- Suspect was not known to Prevent, home secretary says
- Police 'pursuing multiple lines of enquiry' to establish motivation for attack
- Counter terrorism police leading investigating into Ann Widdecombe
- PM in waiting Andy Burnham pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
- Man left address linked to murder suspect with 'wooden stick', reports say
Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder “was not known” to the Prevent anti-extremism programme, the home secretary Shabana Mahmood has told MPs.
Ms Mahmood was updating Parliament hours after counter-terrorism police announced they are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death.
A 28-year-old white British man is being held on suspicion of murdering the veteran politician, and has also been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s murder suspect ‘not known’ to Prevent scheme, says home secretary
Everything counterterrorism police said as they launch probe into Ann Widdecombe's death
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCounterterrorism police are now heading up the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death after “new evidence” came to light.
Speaking on Monday, head of national counter terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.
“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”
Recap: Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation becomes terror probe as suspect rearrested
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCounterterrorism detectives are now leading the investigation into the murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe after “new information and evidence” came to light, marking a major escalation in the probe into the former MP’s death.
A 28-year-old suspect, who was first detained on Saturday, has been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
He is reported to have driven about 430km (270 miles) after being seen on CCTV climbing into a red car in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with a wooden stick on the day of the politician’s death.
The 78-year-old was discovered with serious injuries in her remote Devon home at 11.40am the following morning.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation becomes terror probe as suspect rearrested
Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death after arrest
23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe suddenly stopped responding to messages moments before she was due to appear on air for interview on Wednesday, the day before she was found at her dead at her Dartmoor home.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was set to be a guest on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped replying to the broadcaster and did not turn up for her slot, according to Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
MPs say they are 'looking over their shoulders' after Ann Widdecombe's death
21:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs have spoken about their own safety concerns after the killing of Ann Widdecombe, as one Conservative MP warned parliamentarians were more likely to be killed than members of the army or police.
Responding to a statement in the House of Commons about the former Conservative minister’s killing last week, Tory MP Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) recalled the statistic as he added: “None of us want our homes to be turned into fortresses but maybe more people need to be encouraged to put, for example, security gates on the fronts of their houses and to have security cameras watching and recording what is going on, rather than relying on the Ring doorbell.”
Labour MP for Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes said: “I’m sure I was not the only one this weekend who went about my business in the constituency looking over my shoulder more than I normally would, and it’s terrible that it’s the third ex-member of this Parliament to be murdered. But it shouldn’t be like this.”
Ms Fookes added: “It does seem that security fobs, and security in our houses is not really enough.”
Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) told MPs he had previously worked with colleagues on greater privacy rules for MPs’ home addresses.
Labour MP Helena Dollimore (Hastings and Rye) said she was concerned about pictures of MPs’ homes being broadcast by media organisations. Sir Julian said: “Whatever else you do, keep your home addresses as private as you possibly can.”
Responding to Ms Fookes, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “There are a number of measures that are taken and that for local policing as well as working with the Parliamentary Security Department there is an offer for all members of Parliament and specific risk assessments.”
PM in waiting Andy Burnham pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePrime minister in waiting Andy Burnham has paid tribute to former Tory and Reform heavyweight Ann Widdecombe, saying his and the PLP’s thoughts go out to her friends and family and all who loved her.
He said that “this is a moment to come together, think of her family and ensure the police have the resources and space they need to ensure justice is brought following this appalling act of violence.”
It comes as Mr Burnham addressed MPs during a one-candidate leadership hustings to MPs over Zoom on Monday. The hustings took place as Mr Burnham was confirmed at the next prime minister after receiving an extra 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, taking his total to 349.
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe as he reveals politician’s final texts
20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJeremy Vine was moved to tears live on air during a discussion about Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation.
On Monday (13 July), the Channel 5 presenter became emotional after guest Iain Dale recalled how positively Ms Widdecombe spoke of Mr Vine and his team.
“Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain,” he said as he choked back tears.
Mr Vine went on to explain that Ms Widdecombe was scheduled to make an appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday (8 July) but stopped returning messages, which he read out live on air.
You can watch the moving moment below:
Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
20:00 , Bryony Gooch
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
19:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAnn Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal.
Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home.
The former Tory minister had been preparing to appear remotely as a guest on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show when she suddenly stopped responding to a producer, according to ITV News.
WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12.19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!”
You can read more below:
Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed
Nigel Farage accused of ‘exploiting’ Ann Widdecombe’s death as ‘political propaganda’
19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage has been accused of using the death of Ann Widdecombe as “political propaganda” after he said he believed the death of the former minister was “premeditated murder”.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 260 miles away, on Saturday evening.
Earlier on Saturday, Mr Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe, telling reporters he did not believe her death was “a burglary that went wrong” and said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was a close friend of Ms Widdecombe, told The Times: “Ann Widdecombe was far too dear to her family, friends and former colleagues for her murder to be exploited as political propaganda.
“The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive. It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
On Monday, counter-terrorism police claimed that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation.
Farage accused of ‘exploiting’ Ann Widdecombe’s death as ‘political propaganda’
Watch: Sir Lindsay Hoyle pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneReform board member says police have attempted to 'massage public opinion' during investigation
18:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK board member Gawain Towler told reporters the police had attempted to “massage public opinion” by previously saying there was “nothing to suggest” the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe was politically motivated.
Visiting Haytor Vale in Devon to pay tribute to Ms Widdecombe on Monday, Mr Towler said: “In the past, they’d have said all avenues of investigation are open but this time they tried to close out avenues of the investigation, and it appears they’ve reopened them.
“In a time when trust in the police is at an all time low, this just plays into that they are trying to massage public opinion rather than do the job of investigating a brutal murder. We saw it with Henry Nowak, we saw it with Southport.
“By appearing to rule something out and then a few days later bringing it back in, they look manipulative and that’s a shame.
“What they should have said is all avenues of investigation are open. Not rule anything in, not rule anything out. That is what they always used to do.
“So why did they try and close some line of thinking out? Because they wanted to massage public opinion.
“And I’m sorry, but that when there’s so little faith in their activities these days, they now look, even if they haven’t been, they now look as if they’re trying to manipulate the public’s view and that’s an appalling place for the police to be.
“And it’s such a shame; my grandfather was a copper, I believed wholeheartedly that the police were a good thing as I grew up. Now I don’t trust them an inch and that’s a shame.”
Nigel Farage says he will meet with RAVEC chair to discuss security of Reform politicians
17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNigel Farage has said he will meet with the chair of RAVEC, the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life, following an offer made by Shabana Mahmood.
In a post on X he wrote: “Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood. I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs.”
Thank you for this offer @ShabanaMahmood.
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) July 13, 2026
I will meet with the Chair of RAVEC and discuss the security of all Reform politicians, including those who are not MPs. https://t.co/fkU7QnzuKV
Lindsay Hoyle responds to Yusuf claims over security
17:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneCommons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs’ security concerns are treated equally and are “passed on to the security people to deal with”.
He told MPs: “Every member of Parliament is equal in their security to me – there is no difference between any member, I want to reassure you.
“When things are brought to my attention – because we don’t discuss security, I don’t put out there what is happening, what has been done – but I reassure everybody that when it is mentioned to me, it is passed on to the security people to deal with.
“Unfortunately, I’m sorry that people don’t think I do that.”
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, on Sunday claimed in a post on X that Sir Lindsay, the Government and the police did not “care at all about the security of Reform MPs”.
Dame Karen Bradley, the Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands who chairs the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said she wanted to “thank Staffordshire Police” for contacting her over the weekend and visiting her home to review her security.
“I know police forces across the country will be doing that and I’m very grateful to them for taking that time,” Dame Karen added.
Jeremy Vine pays tearful tribute to Ann Widdecombe
17:30 , Bryony GoochJeremy Vine struggled to hold back tears when speaking about the death of Ann Widdecombe.
During Monday’s episode of The Jeremy Vine Show, the TV presenter was joined by broadcaster Iain Dale, who was also a good friend of Ms Widdecombe.
Speaking on the Channel 5 programme, he told Vine: “Can I just say one more thing in that, I think you know that she loved your programme.
“She loved coming on it, she loved your viewers and she loved you.
“You were part of her family, and she really spoke very highly of you, and I know you went out of your way to be kind to her.”
The camera then cut to Jeremy, who was seen fighting back tears before saying: “Well, that’s too much to hear today.
“Thank you very much, Iain. Thank you so much.”
Sir Iain Duncan Smith calls on Mahmood to hold social media companies to account over violence online
17:22 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Iain Duncan Smith has told the home secretary she must hold social media companies to account over the violent language used towards MPs online.
“The government and specifically the home secretary needs to specify to all those social media companies, they must do something to close down on the visceral violent language that some people use, attacking personally as they did over her murder, which has shocked me, to make sure we get on top of that, because that is the root of violence and death,” he said in the Commons on Monday afternoon.
“It is not only her who has been murdered, it is not only her or David Amis, my good friend who has been murdered,” he added.
“We have to be bold, we have to be clear, we will not accept being shut down, being stopped from our duties, or being silenced in any way because that is what Ann would have approved of.”
Nearly 1,300 ex-MPs could be offered new guidance
17:20 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNearly 1,300 former MPs could be offered new security guidance in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death, the home secretary has said.
Addressing the Commons on Monday afternoon, Shabana Mahmood told MPs police intend to offer guidance to current representatives, and that she will look at what guidance could be offered to those who have represented their constituencies in the past.
Research from the House of Commons library suggests there are around 1,300 living former MPs.
Shadow home secretary urges public not to speculate over Ann Widdecombe's death
17:11 , Nicole Wootton-CaneShadow home secretary Chris Philp urged the public not to speculate about the death of Ann Widdecombe because it makes the job of police harder and could prejudice a trial.
He said: “I’d like to thank the police for releasing the information they have so far, including about the identity of the suspect. It is always important to release as much information as possible in the interests of transparency and to avoid misinformation filling the void.”
On threats to those in public life, Mr Philp said: “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that public political figures who are MPs, and those like Ann who are not MPs, always receive the proportionate protection they need.”
He added that politicians should “set an example of civility and calm, and not inflame”.
Paying tribute to Miss Widdecombe, the shadow home secretary said: “She always fearlessly spoke her mind. She did not worry about whether her opinion would be popular or would be fashionable. She always said exactly what she believed and exactly what she thought. Her integrity and her fortitude were unmatched.”
Mr Philp concluded: “We need people to step up and become MPs and also speak in the public square. Debate and disagreement are what make our country great. Ann Widdecombe exemplified that every minute of her life.”
Reform’s Richard Tice criticises police as he asks home secretary about murder
17:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Reform UK’s Richard Tice asked the home secretary to ensure “that the counter-terrorism unit keep us updated on as regular as possible a basis”.
He added that “given the nature of these things… would it be wise, when considering motivation… to keep things being open-ended, as opposed to motive, as opposed to ruling things out too quickly, that may then end up being ruled back in?”
At the weekend Devon and Cornwall police said the case was “not being treated as terrorism” and there was “no information” at that time to suggest it was a “politically-motivated crime".
Watch: ‘Dark day in our political life’ - Home secretary pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe in parliament
16:47 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMPs - and ex-MPs - to get new guidance on safety
16:36 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
The home secretary has told MPs that the “police intend to issue guidance to MPs soon, and they will be contacting parliamentarians in their constituencies to offer support”.
She also revealed that she would look “at what security guidance can be provided to former members of Parliament” in conjunction with the Speaker of the Commons.
And she offered a meeting between the Reform leader Nigel Farage and the chair of the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life.
At the weekend, a senior Reform figure Zia Yusuf accused the government, the Speaker and the police of not caring about the security of his party’s MPs.
Suspect was not known to Prevent, Mahmood says
16:29 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe home secretary has said the man arrested on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s murder was not known to counter-terrorism programme Prevent.
She confirmed Counter Terrorism police are now leading the investigation into her death.
“The police now have a suspect in custody, a 28-year old white British man, and I can confirm to the House that this man was not known to Prevent,” she said.
Prevent is a UK government counter-terrorism programme aimed at stopping people from becoming terrorists. It encourages referrals to attempt to intervene early when concerns are raised about an individual.
Update expected in House of Commons
16:19 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHome secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to give an update on the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death in the House of Commons this afternoon.
The statement is expected at around 4:30pm. We’ll bring you all the latest in this blog.
No 10 urges people to respect integrity of investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death
16:00 , Bryony GoochNo 10 has called on the public to respect the integrity of the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
Asked about the level of speculation around the case, the prime minister’s official spokesman said: “I think the police have been very clear – haven’t they? – that this is a live murder investigation, and we would just echo that it’s important that the integrity of this investigation is protected and supported as they carry out this work.
“And of course, we would urge anyone with information to come forward to the police.”
Friend pays tribute to 'generous and kind' Ann Widdecombe who 'never talked politics'
15:30 , Bryony GoochDee McVey, chair of Okehampton U3A said she had invited Ann to visit a local horse stables on the day she died. The women had become friends after she invited Ann to speak at an event at the Union Inn in Moretonhampstead a few weeks ago.
“She was an amazing woman,” said Dee. “She did a lot of talks for the U3A and always free of charge and very often she sold books when she was at the meeting and gave her profit to the U3A. She was so generous and so kind. She had become a friend of mine.
“She loved horses. She was going to come to a race meeting at the end of October and she was so looking forward to it. She had stables behind her house. She used to have a horse.
“What upsets me is that we had actually organised a stable visit for last Wednesday and she couldn’t come because she had engagements on the TV.”
“Three years ago I booked her to do a meeting in Okehampton. And then again a couple of months ago. I really only got to know her since the meeting we did a couple of months ago. She talked about Strictly to get everyone laughing.
“She never talked politics. Without talking about the politics everybody liked her as a person. She said what she thought and so few politicians do that. With her what you saw was what you got.”
Hoyle: Ann Widdecombe 'was a friend in many ways'
15:15 , Bryony GoochPaying tribute to Ann Widdecombe, Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he “spent a lot of time” with the former member of Parliament at a pizzeria in Kennington, south London.
Sir Lindsay said: “Ann was a close friend to David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, and both were fellow animal lovers.
“In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this House that might prejudice a future trial.”
The Speaker also said: “I’ll just say on a personal level, Casa Pizza in Lambeth, in Kennington, is where I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe.
“She was a friend in many ways.
“Politically, we may not agree, but she was without doubt a courageous, principled politician and all of our thoughts are with family and her friends.”
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
15:00 , Bryony Gooch
Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead
Commons Speaker urges MPs not to prejudice a future trial
14:52 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has urged MPs not to say anything that might prejudice a future trial after Anne Widdecombe’s death.
Sir Lindsay paid tribute to the former Tory minister and Reform UK spokesperson, who he described as both “fierce” and “principled”.
“I’d like to pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week,” he said.
He added: “In light of the ongoing police investigation, I would urge members to take care not to say anything in this house that might prejudice a future trial.”
Lindsey Hoyle pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe
14:45 , Bryony GoochSpeaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe, who he described as both “fierce” and “principled”.
Sir Lindsay told MPs: “I’d like to pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe who died in tragic, deeply troubling circumstances last week.
“Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life.”
The speaker later added: “Ann was fierce and enjoyed robust political debate.
“Whether you agreed with her or not, she was principled, spoke her mind and was true to her beliefs which were informed by her Christian faith.”
When will the home secretary issue an update?
14:26 , Bryony GoochThe home secretary is expected to issue an update to MPs this afternoon as counter terrorism police take the lead on the investigation.
Shabana Mahmood said: “Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
She is expected to give an update after 4.30pm in the House of Commons.
Recap: What we know about Counter terrorism police leading investigating into Ann Widdecombe
14:10 , Rebecca WhittakerCounter Terrorism Policing (CTP) Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July.
New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The home secretary will be updating MPs later today.
Shabana Mahmood said: “Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Pictured: Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe as Counter Terrorism Policing take over investigation
14:04 , Rebecca Whittaker
Watch: Man ‘with stick left house linked to Widdecombe murder suspect and drove away’
13:45 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe murder suspect: What we know as man re-arrested by counter terrorism police
13:30 , Bryony Gooch
Ann Widdecombe: What we know about suspect re-arrested by counter terrorism police
Analysis: Why has Counter Terrorism Policing taken over the investigation?
13:04 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
Counter Terrorism Policing has revealed they are now leading the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s murder after “new information and evidence has come to light”.
It has not yet been revealed what evidence they have uncovered and the force has said they are pursuing “multiple lines of enquiry” to establish the motivation for the attack.
However the prime suspect has been further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
This gives police the powers under the Terrorism Act to detain a suspect without charge for up to 14 days.
This appears to be a significant development in the investigation, after Devon and Cornwall Police previously said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related.
Downing Street warn ‘integrity of this investigation’ must be protected
12:57 , Bryony GoochAthena Stavrou, The Independent’s political reporter:
No 10 has said it is important that the “integrity” of the investigation into Anne Widdecombe’s death is protected after Nigel Farage suggested her murder was premeditated.
Reform politicians have rejected claims the party is exploiting Ms Widdecombe’s death for “propaganda”.
On Monday, Downing Street said the police “have been very clear” that this is a live murder investigation, and added: ”We would just echo that it's important that the integrity of this investigation is protected and supported as they carry out this work, and of course we would urge anyone with information to come forward to the police.”
Counter-terror police 'pursuing multiple lines of enquiry' to establish motivation for attack
12:49 , Bryony GoochHead of national Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), Laurence Taylor, has said the force is “pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
He said: ”Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.
“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.
“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”
CTP appealed for anyone who may have any information that could help the investigation.
Home secretary to update House of Commons as counter-terror police take over investigation
12:42 , Bryony GoochThe home secretary has said she will update the House of Commons as counter-terror police have taken the lead in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
This morning I have spoken to the head of @TerrorismPolice. Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 13, 2026
The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this…
How long can police hold a suspect for questioning?
12:40 , Bryony GoochThe police can hold suspects for up to 24 hours before they have to charge them with a crime or release them.
They can apply to hold suspects for up to 36 or 96 hours if they are suspected of a serious crime, such as murder.
For those arrested under the Terrorism Act, they can be held without charge for up to 14 days.
Breaking: Counter terrorism police leading investigating into Ann Widdecombe
12:34 , Bryony GoochCounter Terrorism Policing (CTP) can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.
Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July.
New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
CTPSE will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.
