Detectives have until Monday night to question the suspect in a murder investigation following Ann Widdecombe's death. The former MP and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9. Counter-terrorism police are leading the probe into the 78-year-old's death.
Arrest and Charges
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder and the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. He has been named as Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire. The suspect was initially arrested in Rotherham on July 11, with footage showing a topless man being led away by officers. He was initially held on suspicion of murder.
Two days after the murder arrest, counter-terrorism police said they had taken over the investigation and further arrested him on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Head of UK counter-terrorism policing Laurence Taylor said that the murder and counter-terrorism investigations are running 'in parallel'.
Time Limits and Investigation
Terrorism laws allow a suspect to be held for up to seven days in the first instance, with investigators permitted to apply for time extensions up to 14 days in total. It is understood that the initial seven-day period will expire on Monday evening.
Miss Widdecombe's body remained undiscovered for almost 24 hours following her death, police believe. Detectives said she was attacked at her house on July 8, 30 minutes before she was set to appear via video call on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. She messaged a producer at 12.19pm, but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. Devon and Cornwall Police believe she was attacked at 12.30pm at her bungalow on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
Tributes and Security Concerns
Following the news of her death, outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the former MP as a 'highly distinguished, forthright politician' and said there were 'wider questions to address about the safety of politicians'. Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham said a serious review is needed of MPs’ security following her death.
