Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Suspect investigated for possible targeting of Reform politicians

Ann Widdecombe murder latest: Suspect investigated for possible targeting of Reform politicians Officers say there was ‘some preparation and planning’ behind crime – and are not ruling out foreign state interference - Bookmark Police are investigating whether the suspect had plans to target any other Reform UK politicians as part of their probe into the death of Ann Widdecombe. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing head Laurence Taylor said the question would "form a line of investigation" and that police would work to ensure all politicians are properly protected. It comes after The Times newspaper reported that detectives reportedly discovered material suggesting that political ideology could be a factor in the motive. "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," Mr Taylor said. "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." He also said the attack on Ms Widdecombe last week was "clearly targeted" A 28-year-old man, who was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of murder, has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Recap: The last 24 hours in the police investigation Police have provided some significant updates into their murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe over the last 24 hours. On Tuesday, Counter Terrorism Policing, who are leading the probe, said a 28-year-old white male suspect remains in police custody for questioning. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences. Detectives held a press conference on Tuesday where they said the attack on Ms Widdecombe was “clearly targeted”. They also said they could not rule out foreign actors playing a role in Ms Widdecombe’s killing, but would not give detail on any specific motivation. Watch: Ann Widdecombe gave interview defending Nigel Farage minutes before killing Google AI meant it took me 9 seconds to find Ann Widdecombe’s full address and directions to her house Google’s AI policy says it restricts personal information such as addresses from its AI summaries - but Ann Widdecombe’s Haytor address was spelled out in full. Jacqui Merrington reports: Google AI gave me Ann Widdecombe’s full address in 9 seconds Jeremy Vine moved to tears on live show after death of Ann Widdecombe as he reveals politician’s final texts Jeremy Vine was moved to tears live on air during a discussion about Ann Widdecombe’s death. Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the former Conservative minister’s death after new evidence came to light. The 78-year-old, latterly a Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday (9 July). A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. On Monday (13 July), the Channel 5 presenter became emotional after guest Iain Dale recalled how positively Ms Widdecombe spoke of Mr Vine and his team. “Well, that is too much to hear today. Thank you so much, Iain,” he said as he choked back tears. Mr Vine went on to explain that Ms Widdecombe was scheduled to make an appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday (8 July) but stopped returning messages, which he read out live on air. Comment: After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny The former MP’s murder has rekindled the debate over how to protect our politicians – and turned the Clacton by-election into a sombre affair, says John Rentoul. After the killing of Ann Widdecombe, Count Binface is suddenly a lot less funny Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed Ann Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages just moments before police believe she was attacked, newly released exchanges reveal. Police said on Saturday that they believe Ms Widdecombe was likely attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm, nearly 24 hours before she was found dead at her Dartmoor home. The former Tory minister had been preparing to appear remotely as a guest on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show when she suddenly stopped responding to a producer, according to ITV News. WhatsApp exchanges seen by the broadcaster show the last message from Ms Widdecombe came at 12.19pm, reading: “Received! Panic over!!” You can read more below: Ann Widdecombe’s final messages sent minutes before death revealed Mahmood urged to consider 'buffer zones' outside MPs offices Shabana Mahmood has been urged to consider enforcing “buffer zones” around MP’s offices to keep them safe in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death. Speaking to The Telegraph, Lord Walney, the former government adviser on political violence, urged the Home Secretary to adopt the measures which would see nyone breaching the zone faced prosecution and fines enforced by police, councils or other law enforcement agencies. “We have entered an era in which activists across the political spectrum believe that the importance of their cause justifies intimidation, disruption and, in some cases, violence,” Lord Walney said in a letter to Ms Mahmood. “Elected representatives are being confronted in ways that go well beyond robust democratic engagement. The disruption of council meetings, constituency surgeries and other democratic forums by organised activists creates an atmosphere of implied physical menace even where no overt violence occurs. “Such tactics are not designed to win arguments. They are designed to silence, subdue and intimidate those exercising democratic responsibilities.” Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead A video tour of Ann Widdecombe’s remote Devon home aired on television a week before she was found murdered inside her home. The former Conservative prisons minister and Reform party spokesperson is understood to have first invited cameras into her bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, back in 2022. However, the episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House was re-broadcast on Quest at 6pm on Thursday 2 July, according to listings. In the show, Widdecombe gives host Angus Ashworth a guided tour of the home, which she purchased for an estimated £600,000 in 2008, including her library and some of her antiques. You can read more below: Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead Watch: Counter terrorism police take over investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death after arrest What happened to Ann Widdecombe? The suspected murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being investigated as an act of terrorism, police have said. Counter-terror police (CTP) have re-arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. He was originally taken into custody in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder, after Devon and Cornwall Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest the attack was terrorism-related. Police were called to Ms Widdecombe’s property in Haytor at around 11.40am on Thursday, nearly 24 hours after she abruptly stopped responding to messages minutes before a scheduled interview. CTP said on Monday that “new information and evidence” had come to light, which meant they were now leading the investigation and would pursue multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Here’s what we know about what happened to Ann Widdecombe.