Ann Widdecombe murder suspect pictured as police probe possible terror motive

Ann Widdecombe’s alleged murderer has been pictured for the first time after the politician was killed in a suspected targeted attack.

Joshua Kerry is being quizzed by police after the ex-Tory minister, 78, was found dead at her bungalow in Haytor, Devon, last Thursday.

Armed cops swooped on the 28-year-old reclusive loner at his home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday shortly after 9pm.

CCTV obtained by The Sun showed him leaving the addressfive hours before Ann is believed to have been battered to death at her home.

Ms Widdecombe allegedly suffered severe head injuries after being bludgeoned – before being found by her carer who called 999.

A chilling picture of Kerry has now emerged, showing the murder suspect smiling as he holds a jar of Easter eggs for a charity fundraiser.

Counter terror cops – who are now leading the murder probe – are said to be investigating whether the killing was politically motivated.

“New information and evidence” about the death of Ms Widdecombe came to light, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTP) said.

It is understood that Russian and communist material was discovered on the alleged killer’s devices.

Kerry was arrested on suspicion of her murder and later re-arrested for the commission, preparation and commission of a terrorist act.

CCTV footage showed a pole, described by neighbours as “a wooden baton”, sticking out of the pocket of his cargo shorts on Wednesday.

He was seen returning to the red-brick council house at 6pm that evening.

Kerry is believed to have completed a 540-mile round trip to carry out the “targeted attack”.

Cops believe Ms Widdecombe was killed almost 24 hours before her body was discovered, at around midday last Wednesday.

Ms Widdecombe was interviewed on TalkTV at around 8am on Wednesday via video link from her home, named Widdecombe’s Rest.

She was due to appear on Channel 5‘s Matt Allwight show at 1pm – but failed to respond to show producers.

The murder suspect’s stunned uncle, 73, brandedAnn’s killing “a terrible tragedy”and paid tribute to the veteran politician.

Kerry’s relative, who we are not naming for legal reasons, told The Sun: “I liked Ann because she was forthright.

“She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that’s why people were so fond of her.

“Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this.

“I’m just absolutely flabbergasted. I was in total shock when I found out about his arrest, but now I’m just numb.”

His uncle said he was one of three boys and lived at the property where he was arrested for most of his life.

His parents, who never married, split up over 15 years ago.

But whilst his teaching assistant mum moved out of the area to wed a new partner, his dad remained in the family home.

But last December, he was living alone after his amputee dad died of cancer.

His uncle described the prime suspect as “a gentle giant” – adding: “There have been no red flags at all.

“The only thing I can think of is is he’s been left on his own after his dad’s death and he’s spiralled.

“He’s always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy. His two brothers would be rolling around play-fighting but he wouldn’t take part.

“He would sit at the side or move to the back.

“I had no idea what had happened until I saw the police tape around the house. It floored me when I found out. I just couldn’t believe it.”