Police say Widdecombe was ‘targeted’ in ‘brutal attack’ but won’t be drawn on motivepublished at 19:40 BST 14 July
Freya Scott-Turner
Live reporter
Image source, PA Media
Five days after Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her Devon home, we heard further updates from Counter Terrorism Policing (CPT) – who took over the investigation – and from Devon and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner.
Widdecombe was victim of “targeted attack”
Speaking outside New Scotland Yard, CPT Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed that the veteran politician was killed in a “targeted attack” that he described as “brutal”.
Taylor wouldn’t be drawn on motive, telling reporters: “I don’t want to rule out anything out.”
He said detectives have obtained a warrant allowing them to hold a 28-year-old suspect in custody for seven days under the Terrorism Act. He added that, at this stage, the alleged murder of Widdecombe “has not been declared a terrorist incident”.
Devon and Cornwall police commissioner defends the force over handling of case
Commissioner Alison Hernandez defended the force’s “professional response” and said “it is not unusual” for fast-paced investigations to change as more information emerges, after the force faced some criticism for initially stating there was “nothing to suggest” Widdecombe’s killing was politically-motivated.
Cordon remains in place in rural Devon village
In Haytor Vale, where Widdecombe lived, streets remain cordoned off. Flowers continue to be laid as the beauty spot remains at the heart of a terrorism investigation.
- We’re bringing our live coverage to a close shortly. But before we do, in our next post, our correspondent Daniel De Simone has taken a look at where this all leaves us
