Counter Terrorism Policing South East has taken over the investigation into the killing of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe after authorities said new evidence emerged during the case. Devon and Cornwall Police had previously said counter-terrorism officers reviewed the circumstances and found no indication the killing was linked to terrorism.
In a statement released Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said, “New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation, and as a result Counter-Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation.”
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder, has now been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Laurence Taylor, the UK's senior national counter-terrorism policing coordinator, said investigators are now examining several possible motives.
“Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall police, we now have new information and evidence that means counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had spoken with the head of counter-terrorism policing and would update Parliament later Monday.
“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” she said. “The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the house further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Widdecombe, 77, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, after ambulance crews were called at about 11:40 am Thursday.
Police had arrested a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot on Friday, but later released him after determining he was no longer connected to the investigation.
Before the case was transferred, Devon and Cornwall Police had said there wasn't any evidence suggesting the killing was politically motivated or terrorism-related. The force had also stated there was no indication anyone else was being sought in connection with the investigation.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 until 2010 before later joining the Brexit Party, serving as a member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2020, and becoming a member of Reform UK.
In a statement released Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said, “New information and evidence has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation, and as a result Counter-Terrorism Policing South East is now leading the investigation.”
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder, has now been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Laurence Taylor, the UK's senior national counter-terrorism policing coordinator, said investigators are now examining several possible motives.
“Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall police, we now have new information and evidence that means counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation. We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had spoken with the head of counter-terrorism policing and would update Parliament later Monday.
“Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” she said. “The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the house further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Widdecombe, 77, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, after ambulance crews were called at about 11:40 am Thursday.
Police had arrested a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot on Friday, but later released him after determining he was no longer connected to the investigation.
Before the case was transferred, Devon and Cornwall Police had said there wasn't any evidence suggesting the killing was politically motivated or terrorism-related. The force had also stated there was no indication anyone else was being sought in connection with the investigation.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 until 2010 before later joining the Brexit Party, serving as a member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2020, and becoming a member of Reform UK.
