A police and crime commissioner has defended her force over the early stages of the investigation into the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe amid criticisms it had attempted to “massage public opinion”.
Alison Hernandez, the PCC for Devon and Cornwall, said she was confident the force had “provided a substantial and professional response” to the murder.
Counter-terrorism policing is now leading the investigation after new information came to light, despite the Devon and Cornwall force initially saying it was “open minded” about a potential motive but there was nothing to suggest it was political.
More widely, Devon and Cornwall Police warned the public against engaging in and sharing speculation online, in particular regarding the motive.
Nigel Farage faced calls for restraint at the weekend after sharing his thoughts about the case.
On Monday Gawain Towler, a senior Reform UK member, said police had attempted to “massage public opinion”.
“By appearing to rule something out and then a few days later bringing it back in, they look manipulative and that’s a shame,” he added.
Miss Widdecombe, 78, latterly a Reform UK spokeswoman and Brexit Party MEP, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon last Thursday.
She had sustained serious injuries.
A 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Saturday has since been rearrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Ms Hernandez said she had spoken with Laurence Taylor, the head of UK counter-terror policing, to “seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation”.
“There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with,” she said.
“Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the chief constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death.
“I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.
“My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor.
“Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character.
“When I visited the scene on Sunday, I was impressed by the efforts being made by the police to speak to residents and address their very understandable concerns.”
Police believe Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday last week at about 12.30pm, shortly before she had been due on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show