Reform UK’s Ann Widdecombe murdered in targeted attack, police say

British counterterrorism police have stated that former government minister Ann Widdecombe, found murdered at her home last week, was the victim of a targeted attack. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of Britain's counterterrorism policing, confirmed that officers are actively investigating the extent of any planning or preparation involved and are working to understand the motivation behind the incident. Taylor declined to speculate on the attacker's motive, emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing investigation and stating it would be premature to assign any ideology at this stage.

Veteran British politician Ann Widdecombe was the victim of a targeted attack, counterterrorism police have stated. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Devon last week. A white British man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been rearrested by counterterrorism officers on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses. Investigators are working to understand the extent of planning, preparation, and the motivation behind the attack, but have not yet ascribed an ideology or specific motive. Widdecombe was a prominent member of Reform UK and previously served as a Conservative MP.

Police are investigating the killing of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative and Reform UK spokesperson, for a possible leftwing or single-issue motivation. Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation, which is examining whether hatred of Widdecombe's views or hostility towards the Reform UK party played a role in the "targeted attack." A 28-year-old man has been arrested on terrorism charges and is being questioned about the motivation behind the attack, which occurred at her Devon home. Investigators are also considering the suspect's mental health history and whether a recent TV appearance may have been a factor. The investigation is ongoing, with officers granted additional time to question the suspect.

Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe. Officers stated there is nothing to suggest the death was politically motivated or terrorism-related, and they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. She may have been deceased for over 24 hours before discovery. Detectives are keeping an open mind regarding the motive but have urged the public not to engage in speculation, which is distressing to the family. The arrest was made in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Irish police are facing criticism for refusing to identify a person of interest in the murder of American Jamey Carney in Killarney. Carney was found dead on Monday, and the individual sought by police had already departed Ireland for Turkey before her body was discovered. Critics, including a former FBI agent and an Irish politician, argue that withholding the suspect's identity hinders the manhunt and public safety. While some Irish publications report the person of interest is an asylum seeker from Jordan, police cite legal reasons for not releasing details, possibly related to a 2015 immigration law protecting asylum seekers' identities. The investigation is ongoing with international cooperation.

British police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries in her rural home in Haytor on Thursday, after reportedly being attacked on Wednesday afternoon. A 26-year-old man previously arrested near the scene has been released without further investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police stated they are working at a significant pace to find the killer and do not believe there is a public risk. Counterterrorism officers assisted in the arrest, though the incident is not believed to be terrorism-related.

Irish police are collaborating with Jordanian authorities as part of an investigation into the murder of Jamey Carney, whose body was found at a property in Killarney, County Kerry, last week. Ms. Carney, originally from New York, had been living in the area for approximately five years. Gardaí confirmed that a man they wished to speak to regarding the murder had already departed Ireland. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated that Irish police will pursue individuals regardless of their location and that Interpol and Europol have been alerted. The investigation is ongoing, with Gardaí engaging with international law enforcement partners.

Former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home on Thursday morning. Devon and Cornwall police have launched a murder investigation into her suspicious death. Officers are searching for a white male in connection with the incident and have cordoned off the property while forensic examinations are conducted. Widdecombe's next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by trained officers. Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Haytor area or has relevant CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage.

Police have released a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former British government minister Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe's body was discovered at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday, with detectives now believing she was attacked the previous day, Wednesday, around 11:30 GMT. The suspect, a white British national, was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday and released on Saturday. Authorities have stated there is no evidence the killing was terrorism-related or politically motivated, and that there is no wider risk to the public. Widdecombe, 78, was known for her socially conservative views during her political career.

British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former government minister and Reform UK politician. Widdecombe was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. The arrest was made in Newton Abbot, approximately 15km from her residence. Devon and Cornwall police stated there is currently no information to suggest the murder is linked to terrorism or has a political motive. Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views and served in government under Prime Minister John Major and later as a spokeswoman for Reform UK. Forensic examinations at the property are ongoing.

Devon and Cornwall police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The arrest occurred on Friday afternoon, and the man was released from custody early Saturday morning, with police stating he is no longer part of the investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that officers are continuing to conduct "numerous inquiries" and that the force's priority is to identify those responsible and thoroughly examine all available evidence. The article does not provide further details on the circumstances of the investigation or the reason for the man's release.