Police say Ann Widdecombe killed in 'targeted attack' as motive investigated

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Police say Ann Widdecombe killed in 'targeted attack' as motive investigated Figure caption, Attack was 'targeted' - Counter Terrorism PoliceByDaniel De Simone, Investigations correspondent and Adam GoldsmithPublished1 hour agoAnne Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack" and detectives are still working to understand the motive, police have said. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said the appearance of the former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman on Talk TV on the morning she was killed at her home in Devon is being looked into as part of the investigation. In an update at New Scotland Yard, he said he could not comment when asked if the killer could have been targeting other Reform figures.

Detectives have obtained a warrant under the Terrorism Act to hold the 28-year-old suspect arrested in Rotherham on suspicion of murder for up to seven days. The body of Widdecombe, 78, was discovered on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor. She had sustained serious injuries in an attack police believe took place the previous day.

The Details

A white British man, 28, was arrested on Saturday. He was re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Taylor said a counter-terrorism investigation is "running in parallel" to the murder investigation but the suspected killing "has not been declared a terrorist incident at this stage".

He told reporters: "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. "I wouldn't want to comment on what that motivation was.

"Taylor added: "There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations. "'Brutal attack'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 yearsThe counter terrorism police chief said he did not want to rule out anything, and would not comment on whether they were investigating whether a foreign state was involved. "We are working through what the motivation for the attack currently is", he said.

What Experts Say

Taylor also refused to comment further on details about the planning and preparation of the attack. On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the House of Commons the suspect was not known to the government's Prevent anti-terror scheme. Taylor would not comment on whether the arrest on suspicion of terror offences means the suspect potentially committed terrorism offences separate to the murder case, or whether any other politicians were potential targets.

He said: "This is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old woman in her own home. "There has been a "deeply distressing impact on Miss Widdecombe's family", he added.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.