The man arrested over the death of Ann Widdecombe has been rearrested on suspicion of terrorism offences, as counter-terrorism police took over the investigation in a dramatic twist that has renewed the debate over the security of politicians.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was initially held on suspicion of murder on Saturday after the former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon. But on Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said new information had “come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation”, prompting them to lead the inquiry. The suspect was rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
“Counter-terror police take over Ann Widdecombe murder case; suspect rearrested on terrorism charges.”
Widdecombe, 78, was discovered by the ambulance service at her bungalow in Haytor Vale at about 11.40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. Her death sparked a manhunt that ended with the suspect’s arrest at about 21:00 on Saturday, 270 miles from the crime scene. CCTV footage, first reported by the Sun, shows the man leaving a house in Rotherham at 7.51am on the Wednesday before the attack, with a long object appearing to protrude from his shorts pocket. He is believed to have made the 540-mile round trip in one day, returning home at about 6pm and eating a Pizza Express Sloppy Giuseppe pizza, according to the Sun. He did not emerge again until Saturday morning, when he was seen putting rubbish in his wheelie bin.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed in the House of Commons that the suspect was not known to the government’s Prevent anti-terrorism programme. She said the death raises “questions about the security of those in public life”. The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, was offered a meeting with senior officials over his security, which he accepted.
National Counter Terrorism Policing head 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 inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
Devon and Cornwall Police had earlier said a review had ruled out a terrorist motive. But the change in approach now means the suspect can be held without charge for up to 14 days under the Terrorism Act. Officers are examining electronic devices seized from the suspect as they try to determine why the veteran politician, known for her forthright socially conservative views, was targeted.
