The death of former MP and Brexit campaigner Ann Widdecombe is being treated as a “targeted attack”, counter-terrorism police have confirmed.
A 28-year-old suspect initially detained on suspicion of murdering Miss Widdecombe has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said detectives launched a parallel terrorism investigation after “new information and evidence” emerged.
He told reporters there appeared to have been an element of preparation involved, although the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
Mr Taylor said: “This incident has had a deeply distressing impact on Miss Widdecome’s family.
“This is due to new information and evidence coming to light. I know there will be lots of questions about what that new information is.
“It is clear this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation that sits behind the attack.
“I don’t want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries.
“We have conducted extensive searches at an address in Rotherham. This is a complex investigation.
“There are multiple lines of inquiries that we are pursuing expeditiously and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations.”
He added: “We don’t yet know what the motivation is.”
Counter-terror officers are now examining whether the suspect had identified other potential targets, including figures connected to Reform UK.
The investigation is continuing alongside the murder inquiry as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.
The former Conservative MP, who later became a prominent Brexit campaigner and Reform UK supporter, was known for her outspoken political views during decades in public life.
The development has raised fresh concerns over threats faced by politicians, with police examining whether the attack was motivated by political extremism.
Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the suspect’s alleged motive has not yet been established.
The case is now being handled by both specialist counter-terrorism detectives and homicide investigators as police attempt to piece together what led to the attack.
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