Man charged with murder of Ann Widdecombe, counter-terrorism investigation ongoing

A 28-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, police and prosecutors have said.

Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Counter Terrorism Policing said "determining the motivation, including any possible political motivation" remains "an active avenue" of investigation.

Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, before being additionally arrested on 13 July on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead on Thursday 9 July at her home in Haytor, Devon, having sustained serious injuries.

In a statement read outside New Scotland Yard, Laurence Taylor, head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing said: "I want to make it very clear that our investigation into [Kerry], determining his motivations and any wider activity he may have been involved in is continuing."

"As with all murder investigations, understanding the 'why' is a key part of our enquiries," he said, adding that it was "a particularly intensive and complex investigation".

Taylor said it remained the case that investigators were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

He added that counter terrorism teams have gathered "a huge amount of information" over the last week, leading to more than 800 lines of enquiry.

The investigation, which remains ongoing, has been led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, supported by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Frank Ferguson, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)'s special crime and counter terrorism division, said: "Our prosecutors have worked closely with the police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses."

"We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and he has the right to a fair trial," Ferguson said.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings."