Getty ImagesFurther enquiries into a social media post that allegedly celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe are being carried out by police.
Heather Herbert, believed to be a web developer at Aberdeen University, faced backlash after posting comments about Widdecombe’s death on Friday.
The post, which was made before the former MP’s death was being treated as a suspected murder, said it was “good news” and that they had hoped it was an “extremely painful death”.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, last Thursday.
A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said.
The head of counter-terrorism policing said on Tuesday that the question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated her killing, and whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, were both lines of inquiry.
Counter-terrorism police are now in charge of the case after new evidence came to light – but a senior officer stressed the murder and terror investigations are currently working “in parallel”.
On Tuesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was looking into the social media post following “further assessment” after initially saying no criminality had been established.
They added: “We received reports on Saturday, July 11, relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.”
Aberdeen University said earlier this week it is reviewing the comments made by its staff member “as a matter of priority”.
A spokesperson said: “The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual’s own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen.
“We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form.
“We are cooperating with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries and cannot comment further.”
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