Counter-terror detectives are now leading the investigation into the suspected murder of veteran politician Ann Widdecombe after "new information and evidence” came to light.
The former Conservative minister and ex-Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning having sustained serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white, British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, 260 miles away, on Saturday evening. A 26-year-old man detained on Friday was released and in no longer part of the investigation, police said.
In a statement on Monday, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said. "A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday 11 July.
"New information and evidence have come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation and as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.
"The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism."
The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, added in a post on X: "Following new information and evidence, they are now leading on the investigation into the horrific murder of Ann Widdecombe.
"The police are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. I will be updating the House further this afternoon."
A statement is set to take place after 3.30pm.
It comes as Nigel Farage faced calls for restraint after sharing his thoughts about the suspected murder.
Mr Farage is facing criticism for remarks he made to the press in Devon after paying tribute to Miss Widdecombe on Saturday.
The Reform UK leader said he is "100% certain" the death wasn't a burglary gone wrong.
He told reporters he believed the attack on her was “premeditated murder” and said a car had appeared on her drive at around 12.25pm on Wednesday.
“From what I can see of it, from what I can make out, this was premeditated murder,” he said.
“Whether it's politically motivated, whether it was somebody with a grudge, I don't think it pays at this moment in time to speculate.”
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said “speculating doesn't help” the investigation.
He told Times Radio: “Don't try and give some news interview in which you're able to tell everybody this is what you think.
“When you know this is not an Agatha Christie novel. This is real life, and this is a real murder. And let's just leave the police to get on with it.
“And then, when they're ready and they release the information, then we all know what happened.”
Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor was among also those who criticised Mr Farage, telling The Times: “The police have expressly asked the public not to speculate about the motive.
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that Nigel Farage has chosen to do precisely that.”
The Guardian quoted an anonymous Labour minister who said: “We all want the police to have the space to do their job. MPs gobbing off rarely helps the police during an investigation.”
David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary, said people in public life “should know better than to speculate publicly”.
On Sunday, there was a substantial police presence at a house in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham – an address linked to the suspect.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said on Sunday that the force is not looking for any other suspects.
He also urged against politicians and the public guessing what may have happened to Ms Widdecombe.
“We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive,” he said.
“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
Responding to Mr Proctor’s criticisms, Mr Farage told The Times: “Harvey was very close to Ann, I know he is upset, but I was really careful not to be political.
“I was very clear in what I said. I said I would not speculate as to whether it was someone with a grudge, someone with mental health problems or someone with political problems.
“I also said very clearly that I didn’t believe for one moment that it was a burglary that went wrong and I am 100% certain I am right on that.”
