WATCH: Counter Terrorism Police issue update on investigation into 'targeted attack' on Ann Widdecombe

Head of Counter Terror Policing Laurence Taylor has issued a statement to provide an update on the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, confirming it was a "targeted attack".

Mr Taylor said: "As we confirmed yesterday, counter-terrorism policing southeast are now leading the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, and this is due to new information and evidence coming to light following the arrest of a 28-year-old man on Saturday in South Yorkshire.

"Now I know there will be lots of questions about what that new information is. Obviously, this is a live investigation, so there will be a limit on the details I can give. However, it is clear that this was a targeted attack.

"We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack. I don't want to comment further on that motivation or preparation at this stage of our inquiries.

"We have conducted extensive searches at an address in Rotherham, and scenes remain in place as that activity continues. We've also been granted a warrant of further detention, which means the suspect can now be held for questioning for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.

"He remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder. Now, this is a complex investigation. There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations.

"I am also, of course, very aware of the significant levels of public interest in this case, given that Ms. Widdecombe was such a high-profile political and public figure, and familiar to many.

"Now, I don't intend to address every bit of speculation that we have seen, but I would like to use this opportunity to remind the public that investigations of this type are complex, and that new information can emerge as officers progress their inquiries, and we do intend to release further information when it's available and when it is appropriate to do so.

"So please allow us to do our job thoroughly and carefully, and think before sharing any unverified information. It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her own home, and I want to ensure that our work is conducted sensitively and considers the impact of what has happened."

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