Story perspectives

Counter-Terror Police Probe 78-Year-Old's Targeted Killing

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Counter-terrorism police now lead the probe, calling the killing of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe at her Haytor home in Dartmoor a targeted attack.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said officers are analysing digital forensics and have obtained a seven-day terrorism-act detention warrant for the 28-year-old suspect, who is not on the Prevent anti-extremism list.
Police have searched a linked Rotherham property and confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

History

Historical Context

On 16 June 2016 Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed outside her Birstall surgery, the first killing of a sitting British MP since Conservative Ian Gow was assassinated by the IRA in 1990. The attack, carried out by 53-year-old neo-Nazi Thomas Mair, intensified security concerns ahead of the EU referendum and spurred a nationwide review of extremist threats.

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Story summary

Counter-terrorism police now lead the probe, calling the killing of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe at her Haytor home in Dartmoor a targeted attack.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said officers are analysing digital forensics and have obtained a seven-day terrorism-act detention warrant for the 28-year-old suspect, who is not on the Prevent anti-extremism list.
Police have searched a linked Rotherham property and confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

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