Police say Ann Widdecombe’s killing was a ‘targeted attack’
The investigation headed by British counter-terrorism police has raised concerns about the safety of public figures in Britain, as police continue looking for a possible motive in Widdecombe’s killing.
British counter-terrorism police said July 14 that the killing of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe was clearly targeted, but cautioned that investigators have not yet determined a motive.
“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,” Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Britain's counter terrorism policing, told reporters.
Taylor described the investigation as “complex” and said it would “be wrong for me to try and ascribe either an ideology [to the attacker] or what that motivation might be at this stage.”
As Zeale News previously reported, Widdecombe, 78, a prominent Catholic convert who frequently defended her faith and socially conservative views, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9.
On July 11, police arrested a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of her murder. Counterterrorism police, who took over the investigation July 13, said the man was later rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Taylor said detectives had obtained a warrant allowing them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act while the murder and terrorism investigations continue.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said counterterrorism officers assumed control of the case after “new information and evidence” came to light in a post on X. She added that the police “are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.”
Mahmood wrote, “My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends and all those who loved her.”
Speaking in the House of Commons on July 13, Mahmood confirmed that the suspect was not previously known to Prevent, the British government’s program intended to identify people at risk of becoming involved in terrorism.
Mahmood said Widdecombe’s death had also raised questions about the safety of current and former politicians. She said police planned to issue updated security guidance to members of Parliament.
