The death of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe would have been surprising no matter the circumstances. The former Conservative minister and ex-Reform UK spokeswoman appeared to be in good health, giving an interview just minutes before her suspected killing.

Yet, it is the nature of her death – now being investigated by counter-terrorism police – that is particularly staggering.

Counter-terrorism police, who took over the investigation from Devon and Cornwall police, have now said that Widdicombe was killed in a “targeted attack”. But before this detail was confirmed, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage came under fire for telling reporters that he believed the attack was “premeditated murder”. He has continued to speak publicly on the case, telling TalkTV that the prime minister and Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police both told him it was a burglary gone wrong.

In such a high-profile case, there is a real temptation to speculate on the details or motivations of her death by those in the media, by other politicians or even on social media by the general public.

Senior policing figures have asked the public not to engage in such speculation, that it might be unhelpful for the investigation and distressing for Widdecombe’s family. Downing Street has also warned against speculating because of the importance of protecting the “integrity” of the investigation.

Such speculation may also amount to a contempt of court. Contempt of court........

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