The suspect’s uncle branded the killing a “terrible tragedy” in his first comments since the politician was found dead on Thursday, and claimed to have liked Ms Widdecombe because she was “forthright”. The relative, who has not been named for legal reasons, told The Sun his nephew had always been a “gentle giant” who showed “no red flags at all”.
“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.”
“Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this,” the uncle added. “I’m just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I’m just numb.”
The 28-year-old was arrested in South Yorkshire on Saturday on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody.
Neighbours said he rarely went out but was friendly when they did encounter him and would take in parcels for them.
Counter-terrorism police took charge of the case after new evidence came to light this week, but a senior officer stressed the murder and terror investigations are working “in parallel”.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, told reporters on Tuesday the question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated her killing is also a “line of inquiry”.
Miss Widdecombe spoke to Mark Dolan by video-link on Talk TV just after 8am on Wednesday, and police believe she was attacked at about 12.30pm the same day.
“It is clear that this was a targeted attack,” Mr Taylor said. “We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation, and the motivation that sits behind that attack.”
Asked if police were probing whether the suspect was targeting other Reform UK figures, he said: “So clearly, part of our responsibility when investigating offences of this nature is to assure ourselves and therefore the public and others of any extent of threat.
“That will form a line of investigation to ensure that we are putting all appropriate measures in place to mitigate any threat, should it become apparent. I’m not saying there is or there isn’t at this stage.”