Murder of Ann Widdecombe now being investigated as terrorism by UK police

UK COUNTER TERRORISM police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after “new information and evidence” came to light.

The 78-year-old former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Sunday.

This afternoon, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said the man has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

“Counter Terrorism Policing can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe,” it said in a statement. 

“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 (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.

“The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”

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Lauren Taylor, head of Britain’s National Counter Terrorism Policing, 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.

Taylor said CTP 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.”

CTP appealed for anyone who may have any information that could help the investigation.

UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she has spoken to the head of CTP about the case and will update MPs on Widdecombe’s “horrific” murder later today. 

“My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her,” she said. 

A 26-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the investigation on Friday, was released on Saturday.

Widdecombe was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987. She went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

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She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

ITV News has published a series of WhatsApp images which appear to show that Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer after the approximate time police believe the attack took place on Wednesday.

WhatsApp messages published by the broadcaster show a conversation between Widdecombe and a producer from Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show, ahead of her scheduled appearance on the programme on Wednesday.

She last sent a message at 12.19pm that day acknowledging she had received a Zoom link to appear on the programme, which read “Received! Panic Over!”

But Widdecombe did not respond to a message asking her to join the Zoom call at 12.48pm, and did not answer further calls or other messages attempting to contact her.

Allwright then confirmed at 1.27pm live on air she was booked to appear on the show, but had not turned up.

The production team then followed up with Widdecombe’s agent on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.