A suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation has been re-arrested after a four-day manhunt following the discovery of her body at home last week.
Counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into her death, after saying on Monday that “new information and evidence has come to light”.
Miss Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
It is believed that the veteran politician was attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, Devon and Cornwall Police have said previously.
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Following the arrest of the suspect by Devon and Cornwall Police, the same person has now been re-arrested on suspicion of terror-related crimes.
Police have urged against “online and public speculation” regarding the circumstances around the 78-year-old’s death.
First elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, Miss Widdecombe went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and later spokesperson for Reform UK in her long political career.
She retired from politics initially at the 2010 general election, returning as a candidate for the Brexit party in European parliament nine years later in 2019.
In the intervening years, she found fame outside of politics after starring in reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She also starred in several pantomime productions and the ITV series ‘Ann Widdecombe Versus’.
Here’s everything we know about the suspect in her murder so far:
What do we know about the suspect?
The suspect is a 28-year-old white British man linked to a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, more than 200 miles from Miss Widdecombe’s home.
It is unknown what the suspect’s relationship to the property is. It is located in Byrley Road, a largely residential street in the Kimberworth Park area of the town.
CCTV footage reveals that a man put a ‘wooden stick’ in a car outside the house before driving off on the morning she is believed to have been attacked, it has been reported.
Assistant chief constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police has said on Sunday that a substantial police presence and cordon will remain at the location “for the next few days”.
He added: “The local community can also expect to see a heightened police presence in the coming weeks to provide reassurance – however I wish to reassure you that we do not have any information to suggest there is any wider threat to the public.”
The force is not looking for any other suspects, the police spokesperson said at the time.
What was the motive?
The suspect was re-arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing South East on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Head of national Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “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 enquiry 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.
“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”
It is a major development in the case, with Devon and Cornwall Police stating the day prior that there was “no information” to suggest that the death of Miss Widdecombe was a “terrorism-related incident” or “politically motivated”.
Mr Longman said on Sunday: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.
“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
