The family of the man arrested on suspicion of murdering former Cabinet minister Ann Widdecombe have spoken publicly for the first time, describing their disbelief at the allegations and insisting they never saw any warning signs before his arrest.
The 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder before later being re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation earlier this week after officers uncovered what they described as “new information and evidence”, with detectives now investigating the motive behind what they have confirmed was a targeted attack.
As officers continue searching for answers, relatives of the suspect have broken their silence, saying they were left stunned when police linked him to one of the country’s highest-profile murder investigations.
Speaking anonymously because of the ongoing investigation, the man’s uncle said the news had come completely out of the blue.
“Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this,” the 73-year-old said.
“I’m just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I’m just numb.”
The relative described his nephew as a “gentle giant” and insisted nothing in his behaviour had ever suggested he was capable of carrying out such an attack.
“There have been no red flags at all,” he said.
According to the family, the suspect spent almost his entire life living in the same home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
He was one of three brothers and was known locally as someone who generally kept himself to himself.
Neighbours have offered similar descriptions since police arrested him over the weekend.
Residents said he rarely left the house but was always polite when they did see him.
Several said he would happily accept deliveries on behalf of neighbours and never caused any problems in the area.
Family members said much of his daily life revolved around caring for his father, who had been seriously ill before dying from cancer in December last year.
His uncle believes that bereavement may have had a profound effect.
“The only thing I can think of is he’s been left on his own after his dad’s death and he’s spiralled,” he said.
“He’s always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy.”
The comments offer the first insight into the suspect’s personal life since officers arrested him on Saturday evening.
Police have so far released very little information about the man beyond confirming his age, that he is white British and that he comes from Rotherham.
He has not been charged with any offence.
His family also paid tribute to Widdecombe herself.
Despite now finding themselves at the centre of the investigation, the suspect’s uncle said he had admired the former Conservative minister.
“I liked Ann because she was forthright,” he said.
“She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that’s why people were so fond of her.”
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her isolated bungalow near Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday, July 9.
Police believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm the previous day after spending the morning conducting media interviews from her home.
Earlier that morning she had appeared on TalkTV before taking part in an interview with Christian radio station TWR-UK.
She later replied to a text message from producers arranging a Channel 5 appearance but failed to join a scheduled Zoom link shortly afterwards.
Concern grew when colleagues were unable to contact her, and her body was discovered the following day.
Initially, Devon and Cornwall Police said there was nothing to suggest the killing was politically motivated and confirmed they were not looking for anyone else.
However, the investigation changed dramatically after officers arrested the suspect and carried out searches at his home.
Counter Terrorism Policing assumed control of the case after what Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described as new information emerging during the investigation.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has since confirmed detectives now believe Widdecombe was deliberately targeted.
“It is clear that this was a targeted attack,” he told reporters.
He added that detectives were continuing to investigate “the planning and preparation” behind the alleged killing, as well as the motive.
Police have also confirmed they are examining whether the suspect may have intended to target anyone else.
Asked whether other Reform UK politicians could have been at risk, Taylor said investigators had a responsibility to establish whether any wider threat existed and to ensure “all appropriate measures” were taken if necessary.
He stressed detectives were keeping an open mind.
Investigators are understood to be examining several possible motives, including whether political ideology played any role.
Reports have suggested officers are exploring whether left-wing extremism or hostility towards Reform UK could have been factors, although police have not confirmed any specific motive and continue to emphasise that enquiries remain at an early stage.
Extensive digital forensic examinations are continuing alongside searches and analysis of CCTV footage.
Officers are also reconstructing the suspect’s movements before and after the alleged attack.
Police believe the suspect travelled approximately 270 miles from South Yorkshire to Widdecombe’s home before returning north.
Counter-terror detectives have obtained additional time to question him under terrorism legislation while enquiries continue.
No one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation.
Throughout the inquiry, police have repeatedly urged members of the public not to speculate about the motive while detectives continue gathering evidence.
The suspect’s family say they remain unable to comprehend the allegations against him.
For them, the quiet, shy man they knew bears little resemblance to the individual now at the centre of one of Britain’s most significant murder investigations.
As detectives continue working to establish exactly why Ann Widdecombe was allegedly targeted, her family continue to mourn the loss of the outspoken former minister, while the suspect’s relatives say they are still struggling to process news they insist they never expected to hear.
