Former Conservative Minister and Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home in Haytor, Devon, last week. Her body, which bore serious injuries, was discovered by the ambulance service at 11:40 am on Thursday.
While British authorities initially indicated there was no information suggesting a political or terroristic motive for the killing, the investigation has since shifted. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood announced on Monday that counter-terrorism police are now leading the probe after new information and evidence came to light.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of killing the former lawmaker and has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Police are currently pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for the attack.