Counter terrorism police are leading an investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe as a possible act of terrorism after "new information and evidence" was discovered.
A 28-year-old British man was arrested on suspicion of the veteran British politician's murder. He has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Devon on Thursday. The 78-year-old tragically passed after sustaining serious injuries.
Speaking on the ongoing investigation, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing, Laurence Taylor said, according to RTE, that they are building on the progress made by their colleagues Devon and Cornwall. He confirmed that they have new information that the Counter terrorism police are 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. 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," Taylor said.
According to the BBC, this announcement comes after the suspect in the investigation was spotted in CCTV footage getting into a car in Yorkshire just hours before Widdecombe is thought to be attacked. The man can be seen getting into the car with a long object that is seen to be protruding from his shorts.
Speaking to MP's on Monday, Shabana Mahmood paid tribute to Widdecombe as she described her as someone who had "thought seriously about ideas but she did not take herself too seriously".
In her statement, she discussed the safety concerns for people who were in the public eye and confirmed that police intended to issue guidance to MPs on safety soon.
