Ann Widdecombe murder update as counter terrorism police take over investigation

A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism

Abigail Hunt Content Editor

12:37, 13 Jul 2026Updated 12:51, 13 Jul 2026

Ann Widdecombe died aged 78(Image: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) has confirmed that it is now leading the investigation into the death of British politician Ann Widdecombe.

Now specialist officers from across the CTP network have been collaborating with colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police since a murder inquiry was initiated last week.

Officers were summoned to Miss Widdecombe's residence at Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9. Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was found deceased within the property, having sustained severe injuries. A 28-year-old white British male from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, July 11.

[Officers were summoned to Miss Widdecombe's residence at Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9]

Officers were summoned to Miss Widdecombe's residence at Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

New information and evidence has emerged during what has been a dynamic and intricate investigation, and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now spearheading the investigation.

The man in custody has subsequently been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

CTPSE will persist in working closely with colleagues from the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team and across the Counter Terrorism Policing network in an effort to determine the full circumstances of the incident which led to this murder investigation.

[78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was found deceased within the property]

78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was found deceased within the property(Image: Stuart Clarke/Shutterstock)

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, stated: "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.

[The man in custody has subsequently been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism]

The man in custody has subsequently been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism(Image: Tom Wren / SWNS)

"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."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will update MPs on the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe later on Monday.

She said she had spoken to the head of Counter-Terrorism Policing about the case. She said: Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.

The police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Anns family and friends, and all those who loved her.

Police continue to urge anyone who may have any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Any pertinent 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.

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Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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