Counter terrorism police now leading investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death

Counter-terrorism police are investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe following “new information and evidence”, officers said.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was first arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder but has now been re-arrested on suspicion of carrying out, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism.

“We are carrying out multiple investigations to determine the motivation for this attack,” said Laurence Taylor, head of the National Counter Terrorism Police.

On Thursday, 78-year-old Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at his home in Haytor, Devon.

His death sparked a manhunt that resulted in the suspect’s arrest around 9pm on Saturday.

Counter Terrorism Police South East (CTPSE) said “new information has come to light during the course of a dynamic and complex investigation”.

Taylor said the new arrest was based on “progress made by our colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police”.

“Our priority is to progress this investigation quickly with all the resources at our disposal. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police,” he added.

Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said she would brief the House of Commons on Monday afternoon about the police investigation.

“My thoughts today are with Ann’s family, friends, and everyone who loved her,” he said in a post on X.

The announcement comes after the suspect in the investigation was seen on CCTV footage getting into a car in Yorkshire hours before the former Conservative minister. It is believed he was attacked at his home in Devon.

In the footage, time-stamped at 7.51am on Wednesday, the man dressed in a white shirt and shorts can be seen getting into a red vehicle outside a house in Rotherham with a long object that appears to be sticking out of the pocket of his shorts. First reported by the Sun., external