Terror Police Take Over Probe Into Widdecombe's Death

Britain's counterterrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, 78. According to the BBC, the decision followed the emergence of new evidence during the investigation.

A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, who was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing or inciting terrorist acts. Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators are examining the motive behind the attack.

Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor on Thursday with serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked around noon on Wednesday.

British daily The Sun published surveillance footage showing a man wearing a white shirt and shorts getting into a car in Rotherham on Wednesday morning with a long object protruding from his pocket. At the time, he was about 430km from the Widdecombe's home.

Forensic teams are searching several properties in Yorkshire. Although police initially said there was no indication of a political motive, they have not ruled out any line of inquiry. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her condolences to Widdecombe's family and said she would provide Members of Parliament with a full update on the investigation in the House of Commons.

(max)