Man charged with murder in connection with death of Ann Widdecombe

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, following what police have described as a "complex and intensive" investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.

Joshua Kerry, 28, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with murder on Monday 20 July following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning (Tuesday 21 July).

Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor after emergency services were called at around 11.40am on Thursday 9 July.

Devon & Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation after officers found she had sustained serious injuries.

Her next of kin were informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

The investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Devon & Cornwall Police and colleagues from across the national Counter Terrorism Policing network.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "I would like to firstly offer my deepest condolences to the family of Ann Widdecombe, and to everyone who knew and loved her.

"The impact she had on public and political life in this country has been clear to see since her death on 8 July."

He said enquiries were continuing despite the murder charge.

"It remains the case that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident," he said.

"I know there has been significant interest in this case, and rightly so. I want to make it very clear that our investigation into this individual, determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in, is continuing."

Mr Taylor said detectives were continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack, including whether there was any political motivation.

"Given Ann Widdecombe's profile and the targeted nature of the attack, determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation, remains an active avenue of investigation for our detectives.

"As with all murder investigations, understanding the 'why' is a key part of our enquiries. This has been, and remains, a particularly intensive and complex investigation."

Police said detectives had identified more than 800 lines of enquiry.

"Over the last week, our teams have gathered a huge amount of information, leading to over 800 lines of enquiry. Each of those needs assessing, carefully and thoroughly, and I ask that we are given the time to do that," Mr Taylor said.

He added that Counter Terrorism Policing would work with the Crown Prosecution Service should any further offences be identified.

Mr Taylor also said police were working with the Speaker of the House of Commons and other authorities to ensure elected representatives were aware of the security measures in place following the attack.

"As criminal proceedings are now underway, and to avoid impeding the judicial process, we will not be making any further comment on the investigation unless absolutely appropriate," he said.

Police have again asked that Ann Widdecombe's family be given privacy while the investigation continues.

Ann Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years before becoming a Brexit Party MEP for South West England.

She was also well known for television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother, and had lived on Dartmoor since 2008.