Former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack at her home in Devon, police have confirmed. Detectives are currently working to establish the motive behind the "brutal attack" on the 78-year-old.

The body of Widdecombe, who later became a spokeswoman for Reform UK, was discovered on Thursday, July 9, at her home in Haytor. Authorities believe she sustained serious injuries the previous day. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that detectives are examining Widdecombe's appearance on Talk TV on the morning she was killed as part of the inquiry. He confirmed that a 28-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of murder, has been re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The counter-terrorism investigation is running in parallel to the murder probe, though the incident has not yet been formally declared a terrorist incident. "It is clear that this was a targeted attack," Taylor said, adding that "we are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack."

Police have obtained a warrant under the Terrorism Act to hold the suspect, a 28-year-old white British man, for up to seven days. Taylor declined to comment on whether the suspect was known to the government's Prevent anti-terror scheme, or whether other politicians might have been potential targets. He stressed that "this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old woman in her own home."

Widdecombe served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years before leaving frontline politics. Her transition to public commentary and media appearances, including her role with Reform UK, is now a key focus for investigators seeking to understand the context of the attack.

Taylor urged the public not to speculate on the motive, stating, "My request is that we don't over speculate and that we go where the investigation takes us." He confirmed that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued, including digital forensic examinations, but would not be drawn on whether foreign state involvement was being considered.

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, informed the House of Commons that the arrested suspect was not previously known to the Prevent program. The investigation continues as police attempt to piece together the events leading up to Widdecombe's death and the perpetrator's motivations.