The murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is now being treated as an act of terrorism, police have said.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East is leading the investigation into the 78-year-old’s suspected murder after new evidence emerged.
Ms Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday (July 9), with serious injuries.
A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on Saturday (July 11) evening and is understood to remain in police custody.
Counter-terrorism police now leading investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death
Counter-terrorism officers have rearrested the 28-year-old white British man on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism and are now leading the investigation into Ms Widdecombe's death.
They said that new information and evidence had come to light during the inquiry.
Head of National Counter Terrorism 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.
“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.”
Devon and Cornwall Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on last Wednesday (July 8) at about 12.30 pm.
A heavy police presence was reported on Byrley Road in Kimberworth Park, Rotherham, at a property linked to the suspect.
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Ms Widdecombe was first elected as an MP in Kent in 1987.
She later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK as a spokeswoman.
Outside of politics, she became a public figure through appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
The investigation remains ongoing.
