Ann Widdecombe Was Killed In A ‘Targeted Attack’, Counter-Terror Police Say

Ann Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack”, counter-terror police have confirmed.

The Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister was found dead at her home in Devon last Thursday.

The head of counter terrorism policing, assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor, said officers are still “working to understand the planning and preparation and the motivation that sits behind the attack”.

Speaking from New Scotland Yard, Taylor said there is a “limit” to the details he can provide given it is a live murder investigation, “but it is clear this was a targeted attack”.

He said the attack has not, at this stage, been “declared a terrorist incident” and police have more time to interview the 28-year-old white British man arrested on suspicion of murder last Saturday.

The suspect was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Taylor said detectives have secured a warrant of further detention and can now hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.

Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.