Uncle’s Shocking Reaction to Arrest

Uncle of Ann Widdecombe suspect says – The uncle of Ann Widdecombe suspect has shared his emotional response to the devastating news that his nephew was taken into custody. Speaking to the BBC, he revealed how he “nearly fell to the floor” upon learning of the arrest. “My legs went like jelly,” he explained, expressing his disbelief. “He’s the last person I would think would do anything like that.” Despite living in close proximity to his nephew, the family member noted that he had not seen him properly for approximately 10 years.

Recalling his nephew’s character, the uncle described him as a “quiet and unassuming boy” who was consistently “gentle and polite.” He added that his nephew embodied “everything that a shy, young boy would be.” This characterization stands in stark contrast to the serious allegations now facing the 28-year-old white British man, who was arrested on Saturday in South Yorkshire.

“Things don’t add up … To drive all that way and back in one day takes some doing. I would drive past his house nearly every day and 99 times out of a 100 the car would be there.”

Details of the Targeted Attack

Former MP Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, is believed to have been attacked at her home in Haytor, Devon on 8 July. Her body was discovered the following day, and police confirmed she had sustained serious injuries. A white British man, 28, arrested on Saturday in South Yorkshire, is currently being held on suspicion of murder and on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Counter terrorism police stated on Tuesday that they believe Widdecombe was killed in a “targeted attack,” though investigators continue to work to understand the motive. The suspect’s uncle, who spoke to the BBC in Rotherham, mentioned that his nephew had been living with his father until his father’s death a few months ago. This timeline may be significant as investigators piece together events leading up to the tragedy.

A woman named Courtney Foster, who lives near the suspect, also provided insight into his recent behavior. She told reporters that she did not see her neighbour very often. “He used to take his dad out shopping while he was still alive, but since then he never really went out much,” she explained. Foster noted that a car left the property in Rotherham between 07:30 and 08:00 BST on Wednesday last week and returned by around 17:30 or 18:00.

“I was quite surprised at the time. I thought ‘oh, the car’s gone,'” she added. The uncle’s comments about the car’s unusual movement align with what neighbors have observed. Tributes have been pouring in for Widdecombe since the announcement of her death on Friday, while the launch of a murder investigation has been met with shock and prompted wider discussion about the safety of MPs.

Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and worked as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major’s government between 1994 and 1997. After leaving Parliament, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. She became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019 and 2020, and in 2023 joined Reform UK after the party changed its name from the Brexit Party.

Additional reporting by Mallory Moench. Police say Ann Widdecombe killed in ‘targeted attack’ as motive investigated. Ann Widdecombe murder probe: What we know so far.