Social media posts ‘celebrating’ Ann Widdecombe’s death investigated by police

Ann Widdecombe, an ex-minister and Strictly contestant, was found dead in her home last week (Picture: Lucy North/PA Wire)

A social media post allegedly made by a university worker describing the killing of Ann Widdecombe as ‘good news’ is being investigated.

Police are understood to be looking into a social media post made after the alleged murder of the ex-Tory minister.

Miss Widdecombe, 78, who worked as Reform’s immigration spokesperson, was found dead in a pool of her blood in her Dartmoor home on Thursday, sparking a huge manhunt.

The since-deleted post was allegedly made by a University of Aberdeen web developer Heather Herbert, in reaction to the politician’s death, which is now being investigated by terror detectives as a possible targeted attack.

A social media post thought to have been made by Heather Herbert caused an uproar in the wake of Ann Widdecombe’s death (Picture: Aberdeen University website)

She allegedly wrote: ‘Some good news for once. I hope it was an extremely painful death.

‘I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.’

Police Scotland said yesterday the force is looking into the incident, according to the Daily Record.

A spokesperson said: ‘We received reports on Saturday, July 11 relating to a post made online.

‘Following further assessment, additional enquiries are being carried out.’

Aberdeen University distanced itself from the post, saying it is reviewing this ‘as a matter of priority.’

It said the comments do not represent the views of the university.

Metro has contacted the force for further information.

Ms Herbert told Metro on Sunday she had received death threats after her post made the headlines, but refused to back down from it.

She referred to Miss Widdecombe’s own 2019 Oxford Union speech, in which the former MP and MEP said: ‘Nobody has the right to live their lives being protected from offence or from insults or from hurt feelings.

‘It is an occupational hazard of living in society. And if you really can’t take it become a hermit.’

Forensic teams outside Miss Widdecombe’s home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Saturday (Picture: Reuters)

In 1996, while Miss Widdecombe served as the prisons minister, she defended a controversial policy, which saw women prisoners being shackled or uncuffed to hospital beds during labour and intimate examinations.

The use of restraints in this way is still technically allowed in UK prisons.

Ms Widdecombe told the Commons that the bindings were needed to prevent pregnant prisoners from escaping.

Referring to her comment about ‘screaming in agony,’ Ms Herbert told Metro it referred to a story from when Ms Widdecombe was the prisons minister.

Ann Widdecombe was discovered dead on the floor of her remote bungalow, where she lived alone (Picture: Zoe Head-Thomas/PA Wire)

Meanwhile, counter terrorism officers continue to interview the prime suspect held over the death.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening.

He is being held on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, and suspicion of murder.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said yesterday that whether a TV appearance on the morning of her death might have motivated her killing is also a ‘line of inquiry.’

‘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.’

The investigation is said to be looking into whether left-wing extremism or other political motives inspired the killing, it is understood.

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