Ann Widdecombe death: counter-terrorism police take over investigation | UK news

Counter-terrorism police in the south-east said they were leading the investigation into the death of former MP and Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe after “new information and evidence came to light”.

Devon and Cornwall police said Widdecombe’s body was found with “serious injuries” by the ambulance service at his home in Haytor, Devon, at 11.40am on Thursday.

The force initially said its counter-terrorism partners were reviewing the incident and ruled out a terrorist motive.

However, on Monday the counter-terrorism police (CTP) confirmed that it was now conducting the investigation into the former minister’s death.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday.

In the statement made by CTP, it was said, “During a dynamic and complex investigation, new information and evidence came to light and as a result, the southeast counter-terrorism police are conducting the investigation.”

The detained man was later re-arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing or inciting terrorist acts.

Laurence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues at Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence which means counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of investigation to determine the motivation for this attack.

“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.”

More details coming soon…