Ann Widdecombe murder probe: Counter Terrorism Police say veteran politician killed in 'targeted attack'

Ann Widdecombe murder probe: Counter Terrorism Police say veteran politician killed in 'targeted attack' The attack in Haytor, Devon, on Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, has today been described as "targeted" and "brutal" Counter Terrorism Police have confirmed they believe Ann Widdecombe was killed "in a targeted attack". Authorities gave fresh details about the investigation this afternoon, with a senior officer describing the horror as "a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home". It has not been declared as a "terrorist incident" as yet but the 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder. Speaking outside Scotland Yard, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: "It is clear that this was a targeted attack. "We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. "I don’t want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries." It comes after emerged today Miss Widdecombe, a former Tory minister, defended Nigel Farage in a radio interview minutes before she died. The veteran politician, who later served as Reform UK's Immigration and Justice spokesperson for three years, completed a ten-minute pre-recorded interview with a Christian radio station TWR-UK, via Zoom, last Wednesday. It began at 11.54am and ended at around 12.10pm - just 20 minutes before police believe she was killed. Key Events Yesterday a police spokesperson said: "The murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe is continuing today, with further details provided by Counter Terrorism Policing. A 28-year-old man arrested in connection with this incident remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as we well as on suspicion of murder. A warrant of further detention has been granted, which means the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act. Head of National Counter Terrorism, Laurence Taylor, provided the following update: “The shocking death of Ann Widdecombe has very much dominated the headlines since the news first broke last week. “This incident has had a deeply distressing impact on Ann Widdecombe’s family, and we are doing all we can to support them, alongside our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police. “The thoughts of everyone at Counter Terrorism Policing are with them at what is a very challenging time. As we confirmed yesterday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East are now leading the investigation. “This is due to new information and evidence coming to light following the arrest of a 28-year-old man on Saturday in South Yorkshire. It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind it. “Extensive searches have taken place at an address in Rotherham and scenes remain in place as that activity continues. “This is a complex investigation and there are multiple lines of enquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously including digital forensic examinations. I am very aware of the significant levels of public interest in this case, given that Miss Widdecombe was such a high-profile political and public figure, and familiar to many. “I do not intend to address every bit of speculation we have seen, but I would like to use this opportunity to remind the public that investigations of this type are complex, and new information can emerge as officers progress their enquiries. We intend to release further information when it’s available and appropriate to do so. “Please allow us to do our job, thoroughly, and carefully, and think before sharing unverified information. It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation, following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her own home. I want to ensure that our work is conducted sensitively and considers the impact of what has happened. “I would like to end by reassuring all of those who knew, or knew of, Ann Widdecombe that our excellent teams of investigators are working incredibly hard, with the aim of securing justice for her and her family. If you have any information that you think might help us with this investigation, please contact the police.” Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or to Devon and Cornwall Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Counter-terrorism police are probing whether the suspect held over Ann Widdecombe’s killing was motivated by left-wing extremism and planning further violence against other high-profile figures. 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 probing whether left-wing extremism or other political motives were behind the killing, it has been reported. Read the full story here. The head of counter terror police shared details into the investigation surrounding Ann Widdecombe's death. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor called the case a "targeted attack". Taylor added that counter terror probe was "running in parallel to the murder investigation" but said the incident "has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage". The Assistant Commissioner also said: "I don't want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage. There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations." A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said earlier this evening. Officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, he added. The senior officer continues: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations. "It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home." The 28-year-old suspect in the Ann Widdecombe investigation will be held by police for longer. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, today revealed that police have been granted powers to question the suspect in Ann Widdecombe's death for seven days. A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder. The suspect was detained at a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday. Officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, Assistant Commissioner Taylor added. He told reporters: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations." Police are looking into reports of a social media post that apparently celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was later announced as killed in a "targeted attack". The post, allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee and posted before the death was treated as possible murder, claimed the former MP's death was "good news" and that they had hoped it was an "extremely painful death". Former MEP Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, last Thursday. On Tuesday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was looking into the incident. They added: "We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online. Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out." A spokesperson for the university said: “The comments that have been shared are entirely the individual's own and do not represent the views of the University of Aberdeen. "We do not condone violence or hateful behaviour in any form. We are cooperating with Police Scotland as they carry out their enquiries and cannot comment further." Counter-terror police are investigating whether the prime suspect in Ann Widdecombe's killing plotted attacks on other political figures. The 28-year-old White British man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is still being quizzed tonight on suspicion of murdering the former Cabinet Minister at her home - three days after armed police swooped on his mid-terrace house in Rotherham, South Yorks. Asked whether the police investigation was looking at whether the suspect was targeting "other Reform politicians", Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor today said: "So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences 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. Of course that will be a line of inquiry." The man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday before being re-arrested on Monday accused of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Specialist terror officers had previously been working alongside detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police ’s Major Crime Investigation Team since a murder investigation was launched last week. READ THE FULL STORY HERE. Andy Burnham said a "serious review" was needed into MPs' security following the death of Ann Widdecombe. The incoming prime minister said politics has "darkened" in the last decade since he was last in Westminster and protections may need to be "increased further". Asked why he thought frontline politics had become so dangerous, the Makerfield MP told reporters in Parliament: "I notice quite a lot of change in the building behind me 10 years away, no more so than on the question of security. "Actually, I was quite shocked to see how much security now has to be in place, and even so, it may need to be increased further. Politics has darkened in the last decade, there's no getting away from that. "It's obviously appalling what happened to Ann. I knew Ann over many years in the House, and you know, we would get along – and everybody would get along. "But it feels as though something has changed. It's easy to blame social media, but it feels like it's having some impact in just building that kind of toxicity that's around the political debate." He said the issue could not be solved by "easy, glib answers," adding: "I do think we need now a serious review of MPs' security. I certainly am prepared to do that." Ann Widdecombe finished recording a newly-revealed interview defending Nigel Farage just minutes before she died, it has emerged. The former Cabinet Minister did the ten-minute pre-recorded interview with a Christian radio station TWR-UK, via zoom, last Wednesday. It began at 11.54am and ended at around 12.10pm - just 20 minutes before police believe she was killed. Defending the Reform UK leader, who is facing a probe by the Standards Committee over a £5million payment he received from a Thai-based crypto billionaire, Ms Widdecombe, 78, claimed he was a victim of "the politics of personal destruction". She said: "He probably thinks, where is this going to end? Let's bring an end to it, let's bring this to a head, let's put it to the people to see what they think of all of this. "There has been a game now for a very long time, a game of personal destruction, not just for Nigel, for lots and lots of politicians that face this." An excerpt of the interview, which was due to go on air last week but didn't, was played on Times Radio with permission of Ann's family on Tuesday morning. The interviewer, broadcaster James Maidment Fullard, has now contacted police and told them about the tape, but they have not asked to see or hear the interview. READ THE FULL STORY HERE. Devon and Cornwall's police and crime commissioner has defended her force from criticism after counter-terror officers were drafted in to take over the Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry. The force has faced significant criticism over its initial handling of the inquiry and that it took five days until more senior and experienced counter-terror officers took over from local detectives. Defending her force, Alison Hernandez said: "There's been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with. "Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death. "I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation." The head of counter terror policing confirmed inquiries were ongoing and revealed these included several digital forensic examinations. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations." Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that focuses on identifying, acquiring, processing, analysing, and reporting on data stored electronically, accoridng to Interpol. It added that the key goal of digital forensics is to extract data from the electronic evidence, process it into actionable intelligence and present the findings for prosecution. Former prime minister Boris Johnson has said he was "very sorry and shocked" about the death of his "dear colleague" Ann Widdecombe. During a visit to the Nova Exhibition in Shoreditch on Tuesday afternoon, he described Widdecombe as a "hard act to follow". Johnson paid tribute to Widdecombe and called her an "extraordinary politician" while describing the circumstances of her death "appalling and unforgivable". He said: "I'm very very sorry and shocked about the murder or what seems to be the murder of Ann who was a dear colleague, I knew her for many, many years. “She was a totally redoubtable person, an extraordinary politician and a very, very hard act to follow by the way, she left audiences absolutely wrung out with emotion after she did her stuff." Johnson also urged people to "let the police get on" with their investigations into the ex-minister's death. The head of counter terrorism policing warned the public to be careful of sharing "unverified information" as cops continue their probe into Ann Widdecombe's death. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, today, said that "investigations of this type are complex" before adding that "new information" could emerge as police continue their investigation and will be released "when it is available and when it is appropriate to do so". He said: "Please allow us to do our job thoroughly and carefully and think before sharing any unverified information. "It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her own home. I want to ensure that our work is conducted sensitively and considers the impact of what has happened." Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters police were still working on establighing key details in the death of ex-minister Ann Widdecombe. He said: "We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. I wouldn't want to comment on what that motivation was." Taylor, commenting on the murder investigation and the counter terror probe said: "The two investigations are running in parallel. In terms of the preparation and planning, we are aware that there has been some preparation and planning. "I don't want to go into the details of the extent of that at this stage. There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations." Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, revealed police have been granted powers to question the suspect in Ann Widdecombe's death for longer. A 28-year-old white British man remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder. Officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, Assistant Commissioner Taylor added. He told reporters: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations." Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack. “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. “I don’t want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries. “There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations. “It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home.” Veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack”, counter-terrorism police investigating her death have said. The 28-year-old white British suspect remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said. Officers have been granted a warrant of further detention meaning the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, he added. “There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations,” the senior officer continued. “It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home.” Devon Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have personally spoken to the Head of Counter Terrorism, Laurence Taylor, to thank him for the resources he offered early on, and to seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation. “There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with. “Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death. “I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation. “My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character. “When I visited the scene on Sunday, I was impressed by the efforts being made by the police to speak to residents and address their very understandable concerns. “I am sure the impact of this major operation has meant that some people have had to wait longer than they would expect for routine services, or have not yet had their issues resolved. “I have been assured officers and staff will be returning to business as usual over the coming days, which are also expected to be particularly busy with two final legs of the World Cup and the start of school holidays.” Here, Darren Millar, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe. He called Miss Widdecombe "a colourful, political character" and "a precious character". The Home Office has called comments made by Robert Jenrick about funding for politician's security as "categorically untrue". The MP had said the Government is "very, very blase about the security of Reform" when asked why he felt Nigel Farage's security had allegedly been downgraded. But the Home Office has called the politician out. A spokesperson said: "Robert Jenrick’s comments are categorically untrue. “Neither the Home Secretary, nor ministers are involved in the provision of security for MPs. “Responsibility for the protective security measures of Members of Parliament lies with the Parliamentary Security Department. “Nigel Farage has been offered a meeting with the chair of Ravec – the independently chaired committee that manages the security of those in public life." A makeshift shrine to Ms Widdecombe continues to grow near her home. It includes more than 100 bouquets of flowers and messages of condolences. One read: "Dear Ann, I admired you for years... thank you for your service to Great Britain." Another said: "You will always live on... thank you for everything you did in British politics. You were an amazing person, always at the centre of the community putting people first." A third said: "Rest in peace to an inspirational woman." Another message said: "Ann, what a special person. Once seen never forgotten, your wit, honesty and sincerity is so rare today, you will be sorely missed." Once a suspect has been arrested, criminal proceedings are considered "active" under UK law. From that point, media organisations are subject to strict legal restrictions designed to protect the fairness of any future trial. The law prohibits the publication of material that creates a "substantial risk of serious prejudice or serious impediment" to active criminal proceedings. However, journalists are still permitted to report a limited number of factual details about the case. These can include a suspect's age, gender, general location, the alleged offence and the status of the police investigation. If the case reaches court, the media can generally report what is said in open court unless specific reporting restrictions have been imposed. Police and the Crown Prosecution Service do not usually identify criminal suspects publicly unless they have been charged with an offence. As a result, news organisations generally do not name suspects before charge. The approach follows a 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which held that people under criminal investigation have a reasonable expectation of privacy and should not normally be identified before charges are brought. If a suspect is charged, police will typically release their name, age and home address. These details establish their legal identity and help distinguish them from others who may share the same name. Mother of the House Diane Abbott, the independent MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, yesterday said technology has made the abuse which politicians face “much much worse” than when she was first elected in 1987. Ms Abbott, the longest continuously serving woman MP, said abuse had become “much much worse with the rise of online activity”. In her response to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, she told the Commons: “We need to a way to make some of these online companies more accountable for the threats and the violence that they allow on their platforms." The 28-year-old white British man who was rearrested by counter terror police following his initial arrest for murder can be held for several days without charge. He was rearrested on terrorism charges and under the Terrorism Act, he can be held for up to 14 days. Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe prepared to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show when she stopped responding to messages. WhatsApp messages between a producer and Widdecombe at 12:19 on Wednesday showed she said: "Received! Panic over." She had made recent appearances to discuss Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the upcoming Clacton by-election. Photographs show a sea of floral tributes outside Ann Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon. The former politician was found dead there on Thursday morning. Flowers and photos of Miss Widdecombe, 78, have amassed in the days since. Responding to Ms Fookes, one of the MPs who raised safety concerns, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “There are a number of measures that are taken and that for local policing as well as working with the Parliamentary Security Department there is an offer for all members of Parliament and specific risk assessments.” She also said the job of an MP should not be a "dangerous" one as she called this moment "a dark day in our political life". The Mirror yesterday told how Ms Mahmood, the MP for Ladywood, Birmingham, promised to look at politicians' security guidance. She also paid a poignant tribute to Miss Widdecombe, describing her as "a distinctive and devoted public servant". Ann Widdecombe represented Maidstone as its Conservative MP for 23 years and served as a minister in Sir John Major's government between 1994 and 1997. After standing down from Parliament in 2010, she became a familiar television personality, appearing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing later that year before finishing runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. In 2019, she joined the Brexit Party and was elected as an MEP for South West England, serving until the UK left the European Union in 2020.