A ‘murder’ probe into the death of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon has been taken over by Counter Terrorism Police.
Reform member Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious head injuries at her Haytor home, Dartmoor, on Thursday, July 9, after failing to appear on a television the day before, and calls and texts by TV producers to her phone went unanswered.
Shortly after 9pm on Saturday, July 11, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested hundreds of miles away in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of Miss Widdecombe’s murder.
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
A 26-year-old man arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Friday, July 10 was released without charge.
Cops said new information and evidence has come to light during what they describe as a ‘dynamic and complex investigation’ resulting in the takeover by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).
The move comes after Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman last week said Miss Widdecombe’s ‘murder’ was not thought to be terror related or politically motivated.
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.”
He added: “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.”
