Police launch an investigation into Ann Widdecombe death

Unless the police have confirmed their own conclusions/info/intel I will not believe any other details from hearsay, speculation or other social media sites, aka gossip.

The police have repeatedly said they don’t believe the dreadful crime was politically motivated so let’s not make this a political football.
The police will update us in due course.

Casdon

It does feel as though some people actively want this to be a politically motivated murder. Is it because that would give a focus for their feelings of anger, rather than if it turns out to be a pathetic individual with a personal grudge?

It does indeed feel that way.

Will it make Reform supporters somehow feel better?

When Jo Cox and David Ammess were murdered, both serving MPs, both different political parties, the entire electorate, from all parties were outraged, shocked and saddened. No one attempted to use their appalling deaths politically.

If this death turns out to be politically motivated, most of us will no doubt feel the same way as they did when JC and DA were murdered and it won’t be in the least bit political.

Murder of anyone, for whatever reason, is shocking and appalling.

For it to happen to an elderly lady in her own home, the place we all should feel at our very safest, is unspeakable.

Fallingstar

The police have repeatedly said they don’t believe the dreadful crime was politically motivated so let’s not make this a political football.
The police will update us in due course.

Well said. 👍👍👏👏

Sunshinegirls

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said the biggest threat to UK was not Russia or Iran but Reform UK.

Such irresponsible (blatantly absurd) demonisation of Nigel Farage’s party could stir up hatred in impressionable young men online,

Was dear Reformer Ann Widdecombe a victim of “online hate” spread by hysterical, poisonous progressives?

If so the self-righteous left has a lot to answer for. ALISON PEARSON Daily Telegraph on X

*I agree with her*

Do you honestly believe comments like this are in any way helpful?

Political party leaders, all of them, have described other political parties in similar ways many times. Now is not the time for this either from you or the woman you quoted.

Are you suggesting the LibDem leader is somehow to blame for Anne Widdecombe’s murder?

Shame on you if you are!

The police have confirmed CCTV footage of the object in the man’s pocket and the red car element now. There was also a clear request:
‘ACC Longman asked anyone who had not yet come forward to do so "as a priority", but also asked people not to speculate, especially about the potential motive as it was "unhelpful" and "distressing" to Widdecombe's relatives.’
BBC News

Counter terrorism police are now involved.

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/13/ann-widdecombe-counter-terrorism-police-investigation

Counter terrorism police have now taken over the investigation.

Counter terrorism now has 14 days as opposed to 4 days to bring charges.

The whole affair is shocking and sad.

Whatever the cause, whatever the motivation it won’t bring her back, neither will politicising it.

ronib

Counter terrorism now has 14 days as opposed to 4 days to bring charges.

Oh I didn’t know that. I assume the suspect can be kept on remand? Or whatever it’s called?

I don't see how politics can be kept out of the discussion now. Terrorism itself is legally defined by its political motivations.
Devon and Cornwall police have presumably handed over the case.

The Head of Counter Terrorism has spoken on the BBC. They are leading as new evidence has become available.

The remit is broad. Key crimes investigated by UK counter-terrorism policing include:

Planning and preparing attacks:
Conspiring, sourcing weapons/explosives, or carrying out reconnaissance for an attack.

Directing or participating in terrorism:
Involvement in the operations of a proscribed (banned) terrorist organization.

Encouragement and glorification:
Publishing or sharing statements that incite, encourage, or glorify terrorist acts.

Dissemination of terrorist publications:
Possessing, distributing, or viewing instructional material (e.g., bomb-making guides) or extremist propaganda.

Terrorist financing:
Raising, moving, or providing funds and resources intended to support terrorist activity.

Membership in a proscribed group:
Belonging to an organization designated as a terrorist group by the UK government.

Trafficking and foreign travel:
Breaching foreign travel restriction orders, attending terrorist training camps, or traveling abroad for terrorist purposes.

Cyber-terrorism:
Actions designed to seriously disrupt or interfere with critical electronic and computer systems.

Hate crimes and extremism:
Crimes fuelled by extreme ideologies, such as racial supremacy or religious extremism, that pose a severe threat to public safety.

MartavTaurus

I don't see how politics can be kept out of the discussion now. Terrorism itself is legally defined by its political motivations.
Devon and Cornwall police have presumably handed over the case.

Also can be religiously motivated, so politics may still not be a reason.

Cossy

Casdon

It does feel as though some people actively want this to be a politically motivated murder. Is it because that would give a focus for their feelings of anger, rather than if it turns out to be a pathetic individual with a personal grudge?

It does indeed feel that way.

Will it make Reform supporters somehow feel better?

When Jo Cox and David Ammess were murdered, both serving MPs, both different political parties, the entire electorate, from all parties were outraged, shocked and saddened. No one attempted to use their appalling deaths politically.

If this death turns out to be politically motivated, most of us will no doubt feel the same way as they did when JC and DA were murdered and it won’t be in the least bit political.

Murder of anyone, for whatever reason, is shocking and appalling.

For it to happen to an elderly lady in her own home, the place we all should feel at our very safest, is unspeakable.

Just reading your mention of David Ammess. Ann Widdecombe and he were great friends and she is godmother to one of his daughters.

So it wasn’t terrorist related now it is. 🤔

I think counter terrorism police were already involved on Saturday when the second suspect was arrested.

Head of National Terrorism: "Building on the progress made by our colleagues in the Devon and Cornwall Police we now have new information and evidence meaning Counter Terrorism are leading the investigation."
Mid-day today,

Is it normal to release high profile info on face book?
I understand Shabana Mmood did so?
Has the Devon police made a statement also?

I’m wondering if there’s been a tip off to police who combed through emails received by Reform apparently. This person has been described as a loner, a hermit type, who didn’t go out and didn’t work. Possibly groomed online maybe?
Also Ann Widdecombe’s bungalow was featured on a programme a few days ago called the Yorkshire auction house, or similar. She took the presenter all round her bungalow, all broadcast on national tv. Very unwise when you have these nutters out there just waiting to be triggered. Very concerning.
.

Primrose53 13:56

Thank you, I didn’t know this.

David Ammess was our MP and lived quite close to us with his wife and family.

Although not of my political persuasion, he was a very good MP for us, a very lovely man and appeared at local events very frequently. He supported local charities, especially animal charities and was extremely hard working.

I met two of his daughters, briefly, on two different occasions.

He was an extremely hard-working and dedicated MP. If only all current politicians mirrored him, though I genuinely believe across most parties we do some hard-working MPs who take their responsibilities seriously.

I didn’t agree with Anne Widdecombe on many of her stances, but on a personal level she must have been a special lady to many people, particularly David Ammess.

Thanks for sharing.

Namsnanny

Is it normal to release high profile info on face book?
I understand Shabana Mmood did so?
Has the Devon police made a statement also?

Yes to both. As Hone Secretary Mahmoud will have cleared what she said with the police. there will be a statement from Mahmoud, it is then going to be discussed in parliament this afternoon, they are estimating at 5.15.

Ann Widdecombe was The Reform Party's Immigration and Justice spokesperson. I still think it could be political but who knows.

The killer knows one must assume?