The police have said there are 'multiple lines of inquiry' being pursued
Politician Ann Widdecombe was killed in a "targeted attack", counter-terrorism police have confirmed.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Brexit Party MEP was found dead in her home in Devon on Thursday.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday in Rotherham, south Yorkshire, with counter-terrorism police taking over the investigation yesterday.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: "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."
He continued to confirm the 28-year-old man from Kimberworth in Rotherham remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism.
The man is also still arrested on suspicion of murder, Assistant Commissioner Taylor said.
Investigating officers have been granted a warrant of further detention, which allows them to hold the suspect for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act, he added.
"There are multiple lines of inquiry that we are pursuing expeditiously, and that includes a number of digital forensic examinations.
"It is important to remember that this is a murder investigation following a brutal attack on a 78-year-old lady in her home," he continued.
Police are also looking into whether the suspect in the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe was targeting Reform UK politicians, saying it is a "line of inquiry".
When asked about whether the suspect was targeting "other Reform politicians", Mr Taylor said: "So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extant of threat.
"That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent.
Alison Hernandez, Devon and Cornwall's police commissioner, defended her force from criticism after counter-terrorism police stepped into to investigate the alleged murder.
Local police in the area faced criticism over their handling of the case as they initially said there was "nothing to suggest" the murder of Miss Widdecombe was "politically motivated".
On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said Cornwall and Devon police remained "open-minded" about the motive.
Ms Hernandez said today: "There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.
"Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death.
"I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.
"I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived close to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character."
