Ann Widdecombe crime scene 260 miles away from where body was found

The home of the Rotherham man arrested on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe 260 miles away on Dartmoor is pictured sealed off by police.

While the body of the former MP was found at her home in Haytor, the investigation, now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, is also centred on a second crime scene in Byerly Road in the South Yorkshire town following the arrest on Saturday, July 11.

Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9. She had suffered serious injuries, reported to be a significant head wound, and it is believed she had been attacked the day before.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday. And despite several assurances by Devon and Cornwall police that the death was not being treated as terror-related in the earlier stages of the probe, he was rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism after new evidence came to light. Police could be allowed to hold him for up to 14 days for questioning under terrorism legislation if needed.

A large crime scene is still in place outside the red-brick home in Rotherham while further investigation work is carried out.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it had received more than 120 reports of information. It is still working with the counter terrorism team and urged members of the public to avoid speculation.

• Share

• Share

• Share