The uncle of the man arrested over the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe has described his nephew as a "very shy" and "gentle giant," saying he was left "absolutely flabbergasted" by the news of his arrest. The 73-year-old relative, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said he had always known the 28-year-old as a quiet and polite man and struggled to believe he had been linked to the death of the former Conservative MP.
Arrest and Charges
Ann Widdecombe, 78, is believed to have been killed at her home in Devon last week. The suspect was initially arrested on suspicion of murder before being re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, and instigation of a terrorist act. Officers are continuing to pursue what they have described as multiple lines of inquiry.
The Metropolitan Police's Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism, Laurence Taylor, said investigators had found evidence of "planning" but were still working to establish a motive. Police can continue to hold the suspect for questioning for up to two weeks before deciding whether to charge or release him.
Uncle's Shock and Tribute
The suspect's uncle spoke of his shock after learning his nephew had been arrested and also paid tribute to Ann, saying he admired her outspoken personality and strongly held beliefs. He told The Sun: "I liked Ann because she was forthright. She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that’s why people were so fond of her."
"Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this. I’m just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I’m just numb."
Character of the Suspect
The uncle also described his nephew as "a gentle giant" and said: "He’s always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy. His two brothers would be rolling around play-fighting but he wouldn’t take part. He would sit at the side or move to the back. I had no idea what had happened until I saw the police tape around the house. It floored me when I found out. I just couldn’t believe it."
He said his nephew was one of three brothers and had lived at the family home in Rotherham for most of his life. His parents separated more than 15 years ago, with his mother later moving away after remarrying, while his father remained at the property. His older brother joined the Armed Forces and moved to the south west, while his younger brother bought a home with his girlfriend. The uncle said the suspect had been living alone at the house since his father died from cancer in December last year.
Neighbors' Accounts
Neighbors also described the suspect as a quiet "recluse" who was rarely seen outside. One told The Sun he was "painfully shy" and often kept himself to himself, while another claimed they had only seen him once despite living nearby for five years.
