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

Counterterrorism police have taken over the investigation into the murder of former British politician Ann Widdecombe, following new information and evidence. A 28-year-old man has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. This marks a reversal from previous statements by Devon and Cornwall Police, who had indicated no evidence of a terror-related or politically motivated death. The killing of the 78-year-old Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP and government minister who later joined the Reform Party, has raised concerns about the safety of elected officials. National Counterterrorism Policing is now pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to determine the motivation for the attack.

British counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday with serious injuries. A white British man was arrested in Rotherham on Saturday on suspicion of her murder. Initially, police did not believe there was a terrorism link, but following new information and evidence, counterterrorism police have taken charge of the investigation. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood announced this development on Monday.

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday. Initially, a terrorist motive was ruled out, but new information and evidence have prompted counter-terrorism policing south east to take over the case. A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday and has since been rearrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses. Counter-terrorism policing stated they are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for the attack.

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.

A Jordanian national, described as a "person of interest" in the murder of American mother Jamey Carney in Killarney, Ireland, was reportedly in the country despite his asylum application being denied. He was appealing the decision and allowed to remain while Carney was beaten and suffocated in her home. The man, who had been romantically involved with Carney, left Ireland on a flight to Istanbul before her body was discovered. Irish police have not publicly identified him, and the circumstances of his asylum denial and appeal remain unclear. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Ireland's asylum system, and authorities are working with international partners in an ongoing manhunt, with concerns he may have traveled to Jordan.

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.

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.

Police in Devon and Cornwall have urged the public and politicians to avoid speculation regarding the murder investigation of Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister. Detectives stated there is "nothing to suggest" the killing, which occurred at her home, was terrorism or politically motivated, though they remain open-minded about the motive. This comes after Nigel Farage commented that the death appeared to be "premeditated murder" and highlighted the dangers faced by public figures. Senior police figures and politicians from various parties have criticized such speculation, arguing it is distressing for the family and unhelpful to the investigation. A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Devon and Cornwall police are investigating the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, whose body was discovered at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning. Officers are operating under the assumption that Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday afternoon around 12:30 pm, meaning she may have been deceased for nearly 24 hours before her body was found. Her death is being treated as suspicious, but police do not believe there is a wider risk to the public. A 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation has been released without charge. Widdecombe's last known communication was a message sent at 12:19 pm on Wednesday, and she failed to respond to subsequent attempts to contact her for a scheduled interview.

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 released a 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the killing of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her rural home in southwest England on Thursday. The man was arrested on Friday but is no longer under investigation, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. Detectives are continuing their inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident, which is not believed to be terror-related or politically motivated. Widdecombe was a prominent conservative politician for decades before gaining further public recognition through reality television and later political commentary.

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.