The suspect in the Anne Widdecombe murder case has been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.  

Counter Terrorism Polcing (CTP) has confirmed it is now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP.

Since the investigation was launched last week, specialist officers from CTP have been working with colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police.
 

Officers were called to Widdecombe's home in Devon by the ambulance service at around 11:40 am on Thursday 9 July. She was found with serious injuries.

A 28-year-old man from Rotheram, who police have described as white British, was arrested on Saturday 11 July, on suspicion of murder.

Since new evidence has come to light, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.  

The arrested man has now been rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.  

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence 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.  

“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 initially said there was no information to suggest that the incident was terrorism related.  

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the suspect was not previously known to Prevent.