Ann Widdecombe’s murder being investigated as terrorism, police say

The murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe is being treated as an act of terrorism, police have said.

The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

Counter-terrorism officers have rearrested the 28-year-old white British man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and are now leading the investigation into her death.

They said that new information and evidence had come to light during the inquiry.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.

“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.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Published: 13/07/2026 by Radio NewsHub