Ann Widdecombe murder suspect arrest as CCTV shows moment topless man led away by police

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead in her home as CCTV footage shows the moment a man was arrested by police

15:30, 13 Jul 2026Updated 16:34, 13 Jul 2026

CCTV still of a man being arrested by police following the death of Ann Widecombe

CCTV footage of the moment a 28-year-old man was arrested following the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been published by two media outlets.

The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

The footage shows a white British man with no top on being led out of a property by police just after multiple officers were seen entering the property.

A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday (July 11) has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

[REDRUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Ann Widdecombe, Reform UK's Immigration and Justice spokesperson, speaks at the Reform UK Cornwall Conference at Carn Brae Leisure Centre on February 24, 2025 in Redruth, England. Reform UK is holding a series of conferences around the country as the party continues its efforts to build a grassroots base. Last week Nigel Farage gave up ownership of Reform UK, with the party's new constitution instituting a board to lead the party and allowing its members to vote on decisions during its annual conference. (Photo by Hugh Hastings/Getty Images)]

Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home after suffering serious injuries (Image: Getty Images)

Footage was shared with media outlets including the Sun newspaper and Sky News showing a man being arrested and led away from a house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday.

The publication of the footage comes as counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe.

The head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor, said that new information and evidence had come to light during the police investigation into her murder.

Mr 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.

[The man was led away by police]

Police were seen entering the property just moments before

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.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/50DC26S51-PO1 or to Devon and Cornwall Police on 101.

To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.

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