Terror now suspected in murder of British Catholic politician

Counter-terrorism police in the U.K. have announced they are taking over the investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a British politician and Catholic convert killed last week.

Police initially downplayed suggestions the murder of the prominent 78-year-old  pro-life Catholic figure had political or terror motives.

Last Friday it was announced that Widdecombe, 78, had died and later that day the Devon and Cornwall police said that they had opened a murder investigation. She was found dead on Thursday morning having sustained serious injuries. 

On Saturday, a 28-year-old man described as “white British” from Rotherham, south Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder. That same man has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, and he continues to be questioned by police investigators.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) announced that new information had “come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation.”

“Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall police, we now have new information and evidence that means counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation,” said Laurence Taylor, head of national counter-terrorism policing.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.