Ann Widdecombe death: UK counterterrorism police probe suspected murder of ex-minister
A suspect has been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism
British counterterrorism police officers are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of former British government minister Ann Widdecombe, interior minister Shabana Mahmood said on Monday.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday with what police described as “serious injuries”. Police arrested a white British man in Rotherham, northern England, late on Saturday on suspicion of her murder, and initially said there was not thought to be a terrorism link.
“Following new information and evidence, [counterterrorism police] are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe,” Mahmood said on social media.
“The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack,” she said, adding that she would update lawmakers in parliament later in the day.
The suspect has now been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, the BBC reported, citing counterterrorism police.