British counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the suspected murder of former UK lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, officials announced Monday, after new information and evidence emerged in what had initially been treated as a standard homicide case with no apparent political motive.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the shift in the investigation Monday, saying counter-terrorism police were now leading the case "following new information and evidence." Police had previously said there was nothing to suggest Widdecombe's killing was an act of terrorism or politically motivated. Laurence Taylor, head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said the investigation remained in an active, developing phase. "We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation," Taylor said. "We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack. Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police." Taylor added, "We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation."

Widdecombe, 78, was found dead last Thursday at her isolated rural home in Haytor, a village in Devon in southwest England. Police believe she was attacked around 12:30 p.m. the previous day, Wednesday, with concerns........

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