Counter-terror police take over Ann Widdecombe murder investigation after ‘new information and evidence’
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe after detectives uncovered what they described as “new information and evidence”.
The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, on Dartmoor, on Thursday morning after suffering serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation on Friday and, on Saturday, arrested a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder.
On Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) announced the man had been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said the decision followed developments during what had been “a dynamic and complex investigation”.
He said: “We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
Mr Taylor added: “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.”
Counter Terrorism Policing South East said new information had “come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation”, leading officers to assume responsibility for the inquiry from Devon and Cornwall Police.
The announcement marks a significant change in the investigation. On Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police had said there was “nothing to suggest” the killing was politically motivated, although officers stressed they remained “open-minded” about the motive and did not believe there was any wider threat to the public.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed she had spoken with the head of counter-terrorism policing and said the specialist unit was now leading the investigation into what she described as “the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe”.
She said she would update the House of Commons later on Monday.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister urged the public not to speculate about the case while the investigation continues, adding that it was important to protect the integrity of the inquiry.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle paid tribute to the former Conservative minister.
He said: “Ann was a formidable politician, a prominent figure in public life.”
Describing her as someone who “was fierce and enjoyed robust political debate”, Sir Lindsay added that she “was true to her beliefs”.
Reflecting on their friendship despite political differences, he told MPs: “I spent a lot of time in the evening sharing a pizza with the one and only Ann Widdecombe.”
He said she “was a friend in many ways” and urged MPs to be careful in their public comments to avoid causing “prejudice in a future trial”.
The investigation has already prompted extensive forensic work in both Devon and South Yorkshire.
CCTV footage, first reported by The Sun, appears to show the suspect leaving a property in Rotherham shortly before 8am on Wednesday and getting into a red car with what appears to be a long object protruding from his shorts pocket. Police have not commented on the footage.
Officers later searched a property in Rotherham believed to be linked to the investigation, while neighbours described armed police entering the address before making an arrest. One resident told the BBC: “I was making some food in the kitchen and looked out the window, there was loads of banging, and there was armed police in the pathway and they just went into the house and pulled [the suspect] out.”
Another neighbour said police removed a red car from the property.
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday 8th July. Her body was discovered at her home the following morning.
The distance between Haytor and Rotherham is approximately 270 miles, with the journey by road taking around four-and-a-half hours.
Detectives say they have now received more than 120 pieces of information from members of the public following an appeal.
A heightened police presence will remain in the Haytor area while enquiries continue.
Anyone with information, images or video footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
( Images: Counter Terrorism Police 📸 )