The post, allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee, claimed the former MP’s killing was “good news” and hoped it was an “extremely painful death”.
Police are looking into reports of a social media post that apparently celebrated the death of Ann Widdecombe. The post, allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen employee, claimed the former MP’s killing was “good news” and 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. It has since emerged terror cops believe she was killed in a “targeted attack”.
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.”
It comes as Heather Herbert, a former Scottish Green election candidate who works at the university as a web developer, reportedly wrote on Bluesky that the Reform UK member’s death was “some good news for once” before adding: “And I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”
University rector Iona Fyfe condemned the posts saying complaints would be dealt with through the appropriate procedures. In a statement on X, she wrote: “I have been made aware of criticism regarding comments made by a member of the university staff.
“I have received a significant volume of emails regarding this to my Rector email. Please note, as Rector, it is not my responsibility to oversee complaints regarding the behaviour of staff.
“This will go through correct and proper complaints procedure. The university is aware of the comments being referred to online and are looking into the matter.
“There is no further comment right now, only that in my personal capacity, I’d like to condemn any comments which glorifies violence of any sort, against anyone.”
A spokesperson for the university previously 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.”
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