Counter terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, after “new information and evidence”, officers have said.
A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday but has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack,” head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said.
On Thursday 78-year-old Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and later Reform spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries.
Her death sparked a manhunt resulting in the suspect’s arrest at about 21:00 on Saturday.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) said new information “has come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation”.
Taylor said the new arrest builds on “the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police”
“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police,” he added.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would be updating the House of Commons about the police’s investigation later on Monday afternoon.
“My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her,” she said in a post on X.
The announcement comes after the suspect in the investigation was seen in CCTV footage appearing to get into a car in Yorkshire, hours before the former Conservative ministeris thought to have been attacked in her home in Devon.
The man, dressed in a white shirt and shorts, can be seen getting into a red vehicle outside a house in Rotherham with a long object appearing to protrude from his shorts pocket, in footage time-stamped at 07:51 on