The initial seven-day detention period for Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old suspect in the killing of former UK politician Ann Widdecombe, expires today. Counter Terrorism Policing South East is leading the probe and re-arrested Kerry on suspicion of terrorism offences after his initial arrest for murder in Rotherham on July 11. Police confirmed the death was a targeted attack and are investigating a possible left-wing extremist motive.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious head injuries at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on July 9. Investigators suspect the attack occurred around midday on July 8, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. She served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and had been a Reform UK spokesperson since 2023.
Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MPs' security following the killing. An inquest into Widdecombe's death is scheduled to open on July 21.