Counter terrorism police now leading investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s alleged murder after ‘new evidence’
Counter terrorism police have taken the lead in the investigation into the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe following 'new information and evidence'.
The 78-year-old former MP had been found dead in her Dartmoor home on Thursday (9 July), police said they believed she had been attacked the day before she was discovered.
Counter terrorism officers have rearrested a 28-year-old white British man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and are now leading the investigation into Widdecombe's death.
The man had previously been arrested over the weekend on suspicion of murder after police had released a 26-year-old man they said was no longer part of the investigation from custody without charge.
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Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest the alleged murder was politically motivated or an act of terrorism, and they said they were not looking at anyone else, but now 'new information' has come to light.
Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), 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.”
The CTP have appealed for anyone with information to get in contact with them.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that she will update the House of Commons on the investigation this afternoon (13 July).
Taking to X, she wrote: “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.”
As well as being known for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, the former Tory MP joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.
Widdecombe went on to become immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK and appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday (8 July), the day before she was found dead.
Ann Widdecombe's alleged murder: a timeline of events
Wednesday 8 July
7am - Outside a property linked to the suspect arrested on suspicion of murdering Widdecombe in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, neighbours see a man putting ‘some kind of wooden stick’ into the passenger side of a red car, the Press Association reports.
8.05am - Ann Widdecombe appears in an interview for TalkTV about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
12.19pm - Widdecombe sends her final message to a Channel 5 researcher at this time as they discuss setting up a video interview.
12.30pm - Police believe Widdecombe was attacked around this time.
12.48pm - A message from the Channel 5 researcher asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link goes unanswered.
Thursday 9 July
11.40am - Police are called to Widdecombe’s home in Hayton, Devon by ambulance services to find she had died after suffering serious injuries.
Friday 10 July
6.30am - Widdecombe’s management team releases a statement announcing her death - there is no reference to suspicious circumstances.
3.45pm - Devon and Cornwall Police announce they have launched a murder investigation.
5.45pm - Police announce they have arrested a 26-year-old white man as part of their investigation.
Saturday 11 July
6.30am - The 26-year-old is released from custody without being charged and police say he is no longer part of their investigation.
9pm - A white 28-year-old British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is arrested on suspicion of murder.
Sunday 12 July
Police say there is nothing to suggest Widdecombe’s alleged murder was politically motivated or an act of terrorism and say they are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation.
Monday 13 July
National Counter Terrorism Policing announce that new information into Widdecombe's alleged murder means they are taking the lead in the investigation.
Joe Harker