Politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack”, counter-terrorism police have confirmed.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Brexit Party MEP was found dead in her home in Devon on Thursday.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday in Rotherham, south Yorkshire, with counter-terrorism police taking over the investigation yesterday.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “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 don’t want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries.”
He continued to confirm the 28-year-old man from Kimberworth in Rotherham remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The man is also still arrested on suspicion of murder, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her property on Thursday after sustaining ‘serious injuries’
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Investigating officers have been granted warrant of further detention, which allows them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, he added.
“There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations
“It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home,” he continued.
Police are also looking into whether the suspect in the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe was targeting Reform UK politicians, saying it is a “line of inquiry”.
Police outside Miss Widdecombe’s house in Haytor, Dartmoor
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When asked about whether the suspect was targeting “other Reform politicians”, Mr Taylor said: “So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extant of threat.
“That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent.
“I’m not saying there is or there isn’t at this stage.”
He added: “Of course that will be a line of inquiry.”