Anne Widdecombe: UK counter-terrorism police take over probe into Brit ex-minister's death
British counter-terrorism police officers are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of the former British government minister.
British counter-terrorism police officers are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of former British government minister Ann Widdecombe.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday with what police described as “serious injuries”.
Officers arrested a white British man in Rotherham, northern England, late on Saturday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Following new information and evidence, they (counter-terrorism police) are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” interior minister Shabana Mahmood posted on social media platform X on Monday.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack,” she said, adding that she would update MPs in parliament later in the day.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East told the BBC that the 28-year-old man arrested on Saturday and charged on suspicion of murder had now been re-arrested “on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.
The CTPSE told the UK broadcaster that the new arrest was the result of the “dynamic and complex investigation”.
The Devon and Cornwall police force, who were previously investigating the suspected murder, had said on Sunday that there was no evidence suggesting there was a political motive or that the incident was terrorism related.
Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, went on to serve as a member of the European parliament for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Widdecombe’s personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, lay flowers in front of her home on Saturday.
Horrell told reporters the politician “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in the village of Haytor.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute to Widdecombe on Saturday.
He told reporters the party has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything.
Reform’s MPs are now being given 24-hour security protection following her death, it has been reported.
