British politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a 'targeted attack,' police have said. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday, July 9, approximately 24 hours after police believe she was attacked.
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over Investigation
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, stated that it is 'clear' this was a 'targeted attack.' Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, he said there is a 'limit' to the details he can provide given it is a live murder investigation. However, he added: 'We are working to understand the planning and preparation and the motivation that sits behind the attack.'
Detectives have obtained a warrant of further detention, allowing them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act. When asked if the suspected murder was an attack on Reform UK, Taylor declined to comment, stating: 'I don’t want to rule out anything. We are working through what the motivation for the attack currently is. At this stage I wouldn’t want to comment on the motivation.'
Parallel Investigations Underway
Taylor confirmed that the counter-terrorism investigation is 'running in parallel to the murder investigation' and that 'we are investigating terrorism offences.' However, he clarified that the suspected murder 'has not been declared a terrorist incident.' He described it as 'a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old woman in her own home.'
The incident has had a 'deeply distressing impact on Miss Widdecombe’s family,' Taylor added. 'Extensive searches have taken place at an address in Rotherham,' where the 28-year-old white British man was arrested. There are 'multiple lines of inquiry' that police are 'pursuing expeditiously, including digital forensic examinations.'
Previous Arrest and Release
Counter-terror police were asked about a relationship between the first person arrested and then released and the current suspect. Taylor responded: 'The first individual that was arrested and then released, as Devon and Cornwall police have said, they do not have any involvement in this matter.' He added that they are not involved in the investigation.
Devon and Cornwall Police had initially arrested a 26-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder, who was released a few days later. Police then announced the arrest of a 28-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder. He was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, after the investigation was taken over by counter-terror police.
Widdecombe's Political Legacy
Ann Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years. She was later known for her appearances on reality TV, including the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute on Monday, July 13, saying: 'My thoughts today are with her family, her friends and all those who loved her. Ann Widdecombe dedicated her life to politics and public service. For nearly 40 years, she was a fixture of our political life. She brought conviction to our politics, grounded in her profound Catholic faith. She was forthright in her opinions, and argued courageously for the things she believed in. But, perhaps most of all, she brought an inimitable style to politics. She was forthright and fearless. As Lord Howard of Lim can attest. She had a memorable turn of phrase. And she was joyful. She thought seriously about ideas. But she did not take herself too seriously. And that allowed her to reach beyond this place and charm the country at large.'
