The suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation was not known to the government’s anti-terror scheme, the home secretary has confirmed, after the man was re-arrested by counterterror police on Monday.
Following an initial arrest by Devon and Cornwall Police on Saturday, the 28-year-old suspect was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter Terrorism Policing have confirmed that it is now leading the investigation, with a spokesperson stating that “new information and evidence has come to light”.
Miss Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
It is believed that the veteran politician was attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, Devon and Cornwall Police have said previously.
Follow the latest updates on this story through The Independent’s rolling live blog
First elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, Miss Widdecombe went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and later spokesperson for Reform UK in her long political career.
She retired from politics initially at the 2010 general election, returning as a candidate for the Brexit party in European parliament nine years later in 2019.
In the intervening years, she found fame outside of politics after starring in reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She also starred in several pantomime productions and the ITV series ‘Ann Widdecombe Versus’.
Here’s everything we know about the suspect in her alleged murder so far:
What do we know about the suspect?
The suspect is a 28-year-old white British man linked to a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, more than 200 miles from Miss Widdecombe’s home.
It is unknown what the suspect’s relationship to the property is. It is located in Byrley Road, a largely residential street in the Kimberworth Park area of the town.
CCTV footage reveals that a man put a ‘wooden stick’ in a car outside the house before driving off on the morning she is believed to have been attacked, it has been reported.
Assistant chief constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said on Sunday that a substantial police presence and cordon will remain at the location “for the next few days”.
He added: “The local community can also expect to see a heightened police presence in the coming weeks to provide reassurance – however I wish to reassure you that we do not have any information to suggest there is any wider threat to the public.”
The force is not looking for any other suspects, the police spokesperson said at the time.
What was the motive?
The suspect was re-arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing South East on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed on Monday that the 28-year-old suspect was not known to Prevent, the government’s anti-terror scheme.
Detectives have allegedly discovered material which suggests that attack could have been politically motivated, The Times reported on Tuesday, but stressed that the inquiry remains at an early stage.
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.”
It marked a major development in the case, with Devon and Cornwall Police stating the day prior that there was “no information” to suggest that the death of Miss Widdecombe was a “terrorism-related incident” or “politically motivated”.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Shabana Mahmood said: “The police have cautioned against speculating about the case. That is the right thing to do for Ann’s family and friends.
“It is also vital that the police are given the space they need to carry out their work.”
