Major Ann Widdecombe ‘counter terrorism police’ update as ‘new information comes to light’
Ann Widdecombe's death was announced on Friday.
Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, after “new information and evidence has come to light”, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said. The former Conservative MP was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon on Thursday, hours after police believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm the previous day.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the 78-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Counter Terrorism Policing South East said the 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. In a statement, CTP 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.
Police in Haytor Vale, Devon searching the moors around the home of Anne Widdecombe (Image: Wayne Perry)
“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.”
Widdecombe’s body was discovered by ambulance crews at her home in Haytor, Devon, at around 11.40am on Thursday.
Police believe she was attacked at about 12.30pm the previous day and said she had suffered serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially said Counter Terrorism Policing had reviewed the case and ruled out a terrorist motive.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East has now confirmed however that it will work alongside specialist officers from across the Counter Terrorism Policing network, as investigators work to establish “the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation”.
Ann Widdecombe’s death was announced on Friday (Image: Getty)
Police at the scene at a Rotherham address (Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
Head of National Counter Terrororism 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.”
Police have renewed their appeal for anyone with information, images or footage that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information can report it via the Major Incident Public Portal or by contacting Devon and Cornwall Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
