Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has given an update
A 28-year-old man arrested following the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe was “not known” to the government’s Prevent programme, the Home Secretary has confirmed.
Shabana Mahmood shared the update after counter-terrorism detectives officially took over the investigation into the death of the 78-year-old former MP and Reform UK spokesperson.
Ms Widdecombe was found dead inside her home in Dartmoor, Devon, triggering a major police search. Following initial enquiries, a suspect from South Yorkshire was tracked down and detained by officers over the weekend.
The 28-year-old white British man, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, has since been rearrested under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
Mr 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.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on X that she will update the House of Commons this afternoon.
She said: “The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon.
“My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
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.
To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
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