Ann Widdecombe ‘murder’ police issue update on ‘leading avenue of inquiry’ | UK | News
Ann Widdecombe investigating police are investigating whether the suspect detained in connection with her murder was motivated by left-wing extremism and was planning further violence against other high-profile figures. Detectives say Mrs Widdecombedeath of “targeted attack” and said there would be a “line of inquiry” as to whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures.
The police investigation was also reported to be investigating whether left-wing extremism or other political motives were behind the murder. 78-year-old former Conservative Party MP and MP found beaten to death his house On Thursday 9 July at the Haytor in Dartmoor, Devon.
A 28-year-old white British man arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday remains in custody. HE is being held On suspicion of committing, preparing or provoking terrorist acts, as well as on suspicion of murder.
With new evidence emerging, counter-terrorism police have now taken charge of the case, but a senior official stressed that murder and terrorism investigations are currently working “in parallel”.
Leftist extremism is reported Daily Mail It is seen as the “leading avenue of investigation” for the police.
Deputy Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters on Tuesday that the question of whether his appearance on television led to his killing was also a “line of inquiry”.
Mrs Widdecombe I spoke to Mark Dolan via video link on Talk TV just after 8am on Wednesday. Police believe he was attacked around 12.30pm the same day.
He was due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright program from 1pm. WhatsApp messages published by ITV News show a conversation between Miss Widdecombe and the show’s producer that day.
The former Conservative MP last sent a message at 12.19pm confirming that he had received a Zoom link to appear on the programme; at this link “Received! Panic Over!” it said.
Miss Widdecombe did not respond to a message asking her to join a Zoom call at 12.48pm and did not respond to other calls or other messages attempting to contact her.
Mr Taylor said: “It is clear this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation behind this attack.”
Asked whether police were investigating whether the suspect had targeted other Reform UK figures, he said: “Obviously, part of our responsibility when investigating crimes of this nature is to secure ourselves, and therefore the public and others, against any threats.
“This will establish a line of inquiry to ensure that we take all appropriate measures to mitigate any threats should they become apparent. I’m not saying yes or no at this stage.”
New prime minister Andy Burnham said a “serious review” was needed into MPs’ safety after the update.
He said: “What happened to Ann is obviously appalling. I had known Ann for many years in the House of Representatives and, you know, we got on well and everyone else did too.
“But it feels like something has changed. It’s easy to blame social media, but it feels like it’s had a hand in creating this kind of toxicity around political debate.”
Mr Burnham said the issue could not be solved with “easy, fluid answers”, adding: “I think we need a serious review of the security of MPs. I’m absolutely prepared to do that.”
Ms Widdecombe’s death has reignited fears for the safety of MPs following the killings of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labor’s Jo Cox in 2016.
Former Conservative Cabinet minister Sir Robert Buckland is leading a review into the security of MPs. He said on Tuesday that those who used bullets or bombs instead of ballot boxes would not be allowed to prevail.
