Counter terrorism police leading Ann Widdecombe investigation as man re-arrested

Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe.

The 28-year-old white British man in custody has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) confirmed on Monday.

It comes after “new information and evidence has come to light” during the investigation into the 78-year-old Reform spokeswoman’s death on Wednesday, CTP added.

A CTP statement said: “Counter Terrorism Policing can confirm it is now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe. 

“Specialist officers from across the CTP network have been working alongside colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder investigation was launched last week. 

“Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9. 

“Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries. 

“A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11.

“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.

“CTPSE will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to establish the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.”

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood will update MPs on the “horrific” murder of Ann Widdecombe later on Monday.

She said she had spoken to the head of counter terrorism policing about the case.

She said: “Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“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.”

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), Laurence Taylor, added: ”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.”

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