Ann Widdecombe death: U.K. counterterrorism police leading probe

Ann Widdecombe death: U.K. counterterrorism police leading probe

U.K. counterterrorism police now probing former minister’s suspected murder Widdecombe, 78, was found dead last week in her isolated rural home in the village of Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Police did not disclose a cause of death, saying only that she had sustained “serious injuries.” The death sent shock waves through British politics, where Widdecombe had been a prominent voice for decades, known for her robust personality and socially conservative views opposing abortion and the expansion of LGBTQ+ rights. Counterterrorism officers said Monday that the suspect, originally arrested on suspicion of murder, was arrested again on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police originally had said it was not believed to be a terrorism-related crime or politically motivated. “Following new information and evidence, they (counter-terrorism police) are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” interior minister Shabana Mahmood said in a post on X. “The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack,” she said, adding that she would update lawmakers in parliament later in the day.