Former British government minister Anne Whitcomb, who was found murdered in her home last week, was the victim of a "targeted attack", Britain's counter-terrorism agency has said.
The head of the agency, Lawrence Taylor, said Tuesday that investigators are working to uncover the extent of planning for the attack and the motive of the perpetrators. "It is clear that this was a targeted attack. We are still working to understand the extent of planning or preparation and the motive behind this attack," Taylor told reporters.
The investigation took a new turn after counter-terrorism officers took charge of the case on Monday. A white British man was initially arrested on Saturday evening by local police on suspicion of murder, and was later re-arrested on suspicion of preparing and inciting acts of terrorism.
Anne Whitcomb, 78, was a prominent British political figure and member of Nigel Farage's right-wing populist Reform UK party. She was elected to the British Parliament and served in national politics until 2010.
Whitcomb was found dead on Thursday at her home in rural southwest England. Police said she had suffered "serious injuries."
The killing has reignited debate in Britain about the safety of politicians and the risk of political violence. In the past decade, two sitting British MPs have been murdered in the country, raising concerns about the protection of public figures.
British authorities are continuing their investigations to determine the motive for the attack and whether it was related to the victim's political beliefs or other factors.
