ANN Widdecombe’s alleged killer is a “lone wolf” who had communist literature at his home, it is understood.
Counter terror cops – who are now leading the murder probe – are reportedly investigating whether the killing was politically motivated.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her isolated bungalow in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday morning.
The former Tory Minister allegedly suffered severe head injuries after being bludgeoned – before being found by her carer who called 999.
A 28-year-old suspect was later arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and is believed to have made the 540-mile round trip to Ann’s home.
And it is understood that Russian and communist material was discovered on the alleged killer’s devices.
Cops are now focused on establishing the suspect’s political views over fears they may have been the murder motive, according to reports.
Counter-terror cops yesterday took over the murder probe after “new information and evidence” came to light.
Terror suspects can be held without charge for up to 14 days instead of the standard 24 hours for other criminal matters.
They say it followed the examination of electronic devices belonging to the suspect after he was taken into custody.
What we know so far…
- Suspect ‘scoffed pizza at home just five hours after murder’ as terror cops dismiss ‘burglary gone wrong’
- Counter-terror cops take lead on “murder” probe after “new evidence found”
- Footage shows the moment the topless suspect was arrested by armed officers at his home nearly 300 miles from the crime scene
- A 28-year-old man is arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder
- Ms Widdecombe’s alleged killer caught on CCTV at her remote home
- The host of Ms Widdecombe’s final TV interview breaks his silence
- She died after a burglary gone wrong, cops fear
- The politician’s carer reportedly found her body
- Ann Widdecombe, 78, is found dead at her Devon home
He was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) said.
The dramatic development came despite Devon and Cornwall Police repeatedly playing down the idea of a political motivated murder.
Ann – who had joined Reform as immigration and justice spokeswoman after 23 years as a Tory MP – was known for her outspoken nature.
She had forthright socially conservative views on a number of topics, including abortion and gay rights.
The latest twist in the “dynamic and complex investigation” suggests the plot to kill Ann may have been for political, ideological or religious reasons.
It comes as The Sun revealed the prime suspect scoffed a supermarket pizza after arriving home roughly five hours after Ann was killed.
He left home at 7.51am on Wednesday — and his red Vauxhall Corsa was back on the driveway at 6pm.
The man ate a Pizza Express Sloppy Giuseppe the same evening — but did not emerge from his home again for three days.
He was eventually spotted coming out of his red-brick council house on Saturday morning to put rubbish in his wheelie bin.
CCTV footage, taken just after 10am, showed him shirtless, wearing a pair of blue shorts and carrying a plastic bag.
Later that night, armed terror police stormed in and arrested him, leading him, still shirtless, out of the house in handcuffs.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she had spoken with the Head of National Counter Terrorism Police, Laurence Taylor, regarding the probe.
Writing on X, she said: “This morning I have spoken to the head of @TerrorismPolice.
“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 enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.
“I will be updating the House further this afternoon. My thoughts today remain with Ann’s family and friends, and all those who loved her.”
Ms Mahmood has also since confirmed the suspect “was not known” to the Prevent programme.
Cops believe Ms Widdecombe was killed almost 24 hours before her body was discovered, at around midday last Wednesday.
Ms Widdecombe was interviewed on TalkTV at around 8am on Wednesday via video link from her home, named Widdecombe’s Rest.
She was due to appear on Channel 5‘s Matt Allwight show at 1pm – but failed to respond to show producers.
But she did not respond to a Zoom link sent half an hour later at 12.48pm before a producer messaged at 12.55pm asking: “Hi Ann is everything ok?”
During the show, Mr Allwight confirmed Ms Widdecombe had been due to appear but had stopped responding to messages.
Mr Taylor confirmed “multiple lines of enquiry” were being explored to determine the motivation for the alleged murder.
He 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.”
