Detectives have until Monday evening to question a 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe and a terrorism offence.
Arrest and Initial Detention
Armed police swooped on the suspect’s home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on July 11, with footage showing a topless man being led away by officers. He was initially held on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9, having suffered serious injuries.
Counter-Terrorism Involvement
Two days after the murder arrest, counter-terrorism police said they had taken over the investigation and had 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”.
Legal Time Limits
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.
Context and Reactions
Miss Widdecombe’s death follows the murders of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in 2021 and Labour’s Jo Cox in 2016. Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham has said a serious review is needed of MPs’ security following Miss Widdecombe’s death.
