Family of Ann Widdecombe suspect ‘flabbergasted’ after 28-year-old arrested

The family of the man arrested on suspicion of killing Ann Widdecombe have spoken out for the first time.

The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday.

A 28-year-old white British man arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday remains in custody.

He is being held on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.

The man is understood to have been living alone in Rotherham after his father died.

The suspect’s uncle, 73, who is unnamed for legal reasons, told The Sun: ’Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this.

‘I’m just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I’m just numb.’

He added he was a fan of the Reform UK spokesperson, adding: ‘I liked Ann because she was forthright.

‘She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that’s why people were so fond of her.’

neighbors said he rarely went out but was friendly when they did encounter him and would take in parcels for them.

Detectives confirmed Miss Widdecombe’s death was a ‘targeted attack’, and said whether the suspect in the alleged murder was targeting Reform UK figures will be a ‘line of investigation’.

The police investigation is also reportedly looking at whether left-wing extremism or other political motives were behind the killing.

The Daily Mail reported that left-wing extremism is a ‘leading avenue of inquiry” for investigators, while the Guardian said they are considering extreme left-wing or a single issue cause as possible motivations.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters on Tuesday the question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated her killing is also a ‘line of inquiry’.

‘It is clear that this was a targeted attack,’ Mr Taylor said.

“We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.”

Asked if police were probing whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, he said: ‘So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offenses of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat.

‘That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent.

‘I’m not saying there is or there isn’t at this stage.’

A confusing picture has emerged in the days since Miss Widdecombe’s death, with Devon and Cornwall police initially saying that there was nothing to suggest her murder was politically motivated or linked to terrorism.