Ann Widdecombe murder suspect’s family break silence on ‘gentle giant’ | Politics | News
In his first comments since the politician was found dead on Thursday, the suspect’s uncle described the murder as a “terrible tragedy” and claimed he loved Ms Widdecombe because she was “outspoken”. The relative, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: Sun his nephew had always been a “gentle giant” who “never showed any red flags.”
“The only thing I can think of is that he was left alone and stuck after his father’s death,” he said. “He was always a quiet, gentle boy and very shy.”
“Never in a million years did I think he would be connected to this,” the uncle added. “I was absolutely stunned. I was in complete shock when I found out he was arrested, but now I’m completely numb.”
The 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday on suspicion of committing, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism, as well as suspicion of murder, and remains in custody.
Neighbors said he rarely went out, but when they met him he was friendly and got packages for them.
Counter-terrorism police claimed responsibility for the case after new evidence emerged this week, but a senior official stressed that murder and terrorism investigations were running “in parallel”.
The head of Britain’s counter-terrorism police, Laurence Taylor, told reporters on Tuesday that the question of whether his TV appearance led to his killing was also a “line of inquiry”.
Ms Widdecombe spoke to Mark Dolan via video link on Talk TV just after 8am on Wednesday and police believe she was attacked at around 12.30am the same day.
“It’s clear this was a targeted attack,” Mr Taylor said. “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 investigation to ensure that we take all appropriate measures to mitigate any threats should they arise. I’m not saying yes or no at this stage.”
