Ann Widdecombe’s ‘murder’ now treated as act of terrorism

Counter terrorism detectives are now leading the probe into the death of Ann Widdecombe after new evidence emerged.

The ex-Tory minister, 78, was found dead on the floor of her remote Dartmoor bungalow on Thursday after concern was raised when she failed to join a scheduled interview on a show she was a regular on.

A 28-year-old man was arrested at a terraced house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening and taken into custody.

Police revealed the investigation into Miss Widdecombe’s death is now being led by counter terrorism detectives, marking a U-turn after it was previously thought there was no suggestion her death was political or linked to terrorism.

Counter terrorism police 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 9 July.

‘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 11 July.

‘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 said she will update MPs on the death of Miss Widdecombe later on Monday.

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.’

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a plea yesterday to end the ‘distressing’ speculation surrounding the death.

Footage has emerged showing the moment officers arrive at the home of the 28-year-old suspect on Saturday evening at about 9pm.

Several unmarked and marked police cars swarm the residential road before officers, some armed with battering rams to open the door.

neighbors of the 28-year-old man described him as a loner, who became even more reclusive after the death of his dad last year.

A neighbor alleged seeing him leave his home with a pole or a metal bar hidden under his t-shirt before driving away some time before Miss Widdecombe’s death.

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