Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the killing of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe after officers said “new information and evidence” had emerged, prompting the case to be treated as a terrorism investigation.
The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, July 9. Police believe she was killed around midday the previous day. A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has now been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East assumed control of the investigation on Monday. Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said detectives were pursuing “multiple lines of inquiry” to establish the motive behind the attack after new evidence came to light.
The development marks a significant shift from comments made by Devon and Cornwall Police on Sunday, when Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said there was no information to suggest the killing was terrorism-related or politically motivated, while stressing investigators remained open-minded about the motive.
According to reports, CCTV footage shows the suspect leaving an address linked to him on the morning of July 8 before driving south. Neighbours told reporters he appeared to place what looked like a wooden pole into a red car before setting off.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact investigators as the inquiry continues.
