Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘focused assault’, verify counter-terror police in replace
Former MEP Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, after counter-terrorism police confirmed the killing was a ‘targeted attack’
Ann Widdecombe was killed at her residence in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon(Image: Stuart Clarke/Shutterstock)
Veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was the victim of a “targeted attack”, according to counter-terrorism police investigating her death.
Former MEP Miss Widdecombe, 78, was discovered deceased at her residence in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, last Thursday. Counter-terrorism police have now taken the lead in the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death following the emergence of new evidence.
However, a senior officer emphasised that the murder and terror investigations are currently proceeding “in parallel”. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor informed reporters: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack.
CCTV still of a man being arrested by police following the death of Ann Widecombe
“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. I wouldn’t want to comment on what that motivation was.
“The two investigations are running in parallel. In terms of the preparation and planning, we are aware that there has been some preparation and planning. I don’t want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage.”
A 28-year-old white British man remains in custody on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder, the Assistant Commissioner stated.
Counter-terrorism police have now taken the lead in the investigation(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
Officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, he added.
“There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations,” the senior officer continued.
“It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home.”
Ann Widdecombe during a pre-recorded interview believed to be held 20 minutes before she was attacked(Image: TimesRadio/X)
Miss Widdecombe’s body was found at approximately 11.40am on Thursday at her isolated bungalow. She had suffered severe injuries.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood informed the House of Commons on Monday that the suspect was not recognised by the Government’s anti-extremism programme Prevent.
Video material was distributed to news organisations, including the Sun newspaper and Sky News, depicting a shirtless man being detained and escorted from a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.
Floral tributes have been place nearby(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)
Officers believe Miss Widdecombe was assaulted on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, moments before she was scheduled to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.
ITV News subsequently released a collection of WhatsApp screenshots that seem to demonstrate Miss Widdecombe ceased replying to messages from a television producer after the estimated time authorities believe the assault occurred that day.
Miss Widdecombe was initially elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later becoming an MEP for the Brexit Party before taking on a spokesperson role for Reform UK.
She also achieved celebrity status beyond politics following appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
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