Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was killed in a targeted attack at her home in Devon, police revealed on Monday. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, stated that detectives are actively investigating the motive behind the "brutal attack" on the 78-year-old.

Widdecombe's body was discovered on Thursday, July 9, at her residence in Haytor. The injuries sustained suggest the attack occurred the previous day. The investigation is being treated as a murder, with counter-terrorism police now involved due to the nature of the incident.

Detectives have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the death. Initially arrested on suspicion of murder, he was re-arrested on Monday under the Terrorism Act, allowing authorities to hold him for up to seven days. Police are exploring whether the attack was linked to any broader planning or preparation of acts of terrorism.

The fact that Widdecombe appeared on Talk TV on the morning she was killed is being considered as part of the investigation into the motive. Assistant Commissioner Taylor confirmed this appearance is one of the lines of inquiry being pursued, emphasizing that "all lines of inquiry" are being explored.

Counter-terrorism police are running their investigation in parallel with the murder inquiry, though the incident has not yet been officially declared a terrorist incident. Taylor stated that while the attack was clearly targeted, the "motivation that sits behind that attack" is still being determined. He declined to speculate on potential ideologies or the specific nature of the motive at this early stage.

Authorities have obtained a warrant under the Terrorism Act to detain the suspect, a white British male, for further questioning. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, informed the House of Commons that the suspect was not known to the government's Prevent anti-terror program, a scheme designed to stop radicalization.

Assistant Commissioner Taylor stressed the importance of avoiding speculation, urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed. He acknowledged the "deeply distressing impact" the attack has had on Widdecombe's family and assured that multiple lines of inquiry, including digital forensic examinations, are being pursued expeditiously.

Police have not commented on whether foreign states are involved or on specific details regarding the planning of the attack. The investigation aims to understand the full extent of any planning and the underlying reasons for the targeting of Widdecombe, a figure known for her political career spanning 23 years as MP for Maidstone and also for her subsequent media work.