Counter-terror police are investigating whether the prime suspect in Ann Widdecombe's killing plotted attacks on other political figures. The 28-year-old White British man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is still being quizzed on suspicion of murdering the former Cabinet Minister at her home in Devon last Thursday.
Investigation into Potential Broader Threat
Asked whether the police investigation was looking at whether the suspect was targeting “other Reform politicians”, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence 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. Of course that will be a line of inquiry.”
Mr Taylor admitted police are still trying to understand the motive for the attack and conceded he cannot rule out foreign state involvement. He said: “It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.”
Suspect's Detention and Evidence
The man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday before being re-arrested on Monday accused of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Specialist terror officers have been working alongside detectives from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team. Mr Taylor and his team were granted a warrant of further detention, allowing the suspect to be held for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, extendable to 14 days.
Detectives have been examining CCTV appearing to show the alleged killer putting a wooden stick in the back of a red Vauxhall Corsa on the day of the murder. Neighbours have described him as a loner who became increasingly reclusive after his father's death last December. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons on Monday the suspect was not known to the Government anti-extremism scheme Prevent.
Timeline of the Murder
Police believe Ms Widdecombe died last Wednesday at about 12.30pm, shortly before she was due on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show via video call. She last messaged a producer at 12.19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. She had also finished recording an interview defending Nigel Farage just minutes before she died, logging on at 11.54am for a ten-minute pre-recorded interview with Christian radio station TWR-UK, ending at around 12.10pm.
In that interview, Ms Widdecombe claimed Farage was a victim of "the politics of personal destruction," saying: "Let's bring an end to it, let's bring this to a head, let's put it to the people to see what they think of all of this."
Police Response and Public Appeal
Devon Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez defended the force's communication, stating: "Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death."
Mr Taylor added: "It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home." Police and politicians have asked the public not to speculate about the case on social media.
