The family of the man arrested over the killing of former British politician Ann Widdecombe say they are struggling to understand how he could be linked to one of the country’s most closely watched homicide investigations, as detectives continue examining what they describe as a targeted attack.

The 28-year-old suspect remains in police custody after being arrested on Saturday, days after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor. He is being investigated on suspicion of murder as well as the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, while Counter Terrorism Policing continues to examine whether there was any ideological or political motivation behind the attack.

Although investigators have expanded the scope of their inquiry, they have repeatedly stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages and that officers are keeping an open mind while evidence is analyzed.

As police continue gathering forensic evidence and questioning the suspect, members of his family have spoken publicly for the first time, expressing disbelief over the allegations while acknowledging that they have no explanation for why he became the focus of the investigation.

His uncle, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, described the arrest as completely unexpected and said relatives remain shocked by developments.

According to the family member, the suspect had spent most of his life living at the same council property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where armed officers arrested him on Saturday evening.

“Never in a million years did I think he would be linked to this,” the uncle reportedly said, describing himself as “absolutely flabbergasted” before adding that the initial shock had given way to numbness.

The relative characterized his nephew as a quiet and reserved individual who had rarely attracted attention from neighbors or family members.

He described him as a “gentle giant,” saying there had been “no red flags at all” that suggested he could become involved in an incident of this nature.

Family members also pointed to significant changes in the suspect’s life following the death of his father from cancer late last year.

According to the uncle, the suspect had remained living alone at the family home after his father’s death while his brothers had moved away.

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

He added that the suspect had always been polite and extremely shy, recalling that as a child he preferred staying out of rough games with his brothers and often kept to himself.

Neighbors have offered similar descriptions since the arrest.

Residents living near the suspect’s home told British media they rarely saw him outside and described him as someone who largely kept to himself.

Several neighbors said he would occasionally exchange greetings or help collect parcels but otherwise spent little time outside his home.

Others said his father’s death appeared to coincide with him becoming even more withdrawn than before.

Police have not suggested that those observations have any connection to the investigation, and officers have continued urging the public to avoid speculation while inquiries remain active.

The investigation centers on the death of Widdecombe, a former Conservative Cabinet minister who later became a prominent Reform UK figure and television personality.

She was found dead inside her rural Devon home on Thursday after emergency services were called to the property.

Police believe she suffered serious injuries and have said she was likely attacked around midday the previous day.

Authorities have confirmed that detectives believe the attack was targeted rather than random, though they have not publicly disclosed what evidence led them to that conclusion.

Counter Terrorism Policing assumed responsibility for the investigation after information gathered during searches and interviews prompted detectives to examine whether political or ideological motives may have been involved.

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor has said investigators are working to establish both the planning behind the attack and the motivation that ultimately led to it.

He has declined to rule out any potential line of inquiry, emphasizing that investigators are examining all available evidence before drawing conclusions.

Taylor also confirmed that officers are considering whether Widdecombe’s recent public appearances, including a television interview shortly before her death, could have any relevance to the investigation.

However, he stressed that no conclusions have been reached.

When asked whether police were investigating any possible threat against other Reform UK politicians, Taylor said that evaluating any ongoing risk formed part of the wider investigation.

He explained that officers would ensure appropriate protective measures were implemented if evidence suggested additional threats existed but cautioned against assuming that such evidence had been found.

Meanwhile, members of Widdecombe’s political party have continued paying tribute to the veteran politician while calling for patience as detectives continue their work.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Britain’s political spectrum, with current and former colleagues remembering her decades-long public career.

The suspect’s family has also spoken warmly about Widdecombe herself despite the allegations now facing their relative.

His uncle described her as someone admired for speaking her mind and standing firmly by her beliefs.

“I liked Ann because she was forthright,” he reportedly said. “She called a spade a spade. She was strident and principled and that’s why people were so fond of her.”

The comments reflect the unusual position in which the suspect’s relatives now find themselves—mourning the death of a respected public figure while simultaneously grappling with allegations involving a member of their own family.

Legal experts note that investigations involving terrorism-related offenses often involve extensive digital forensic analysis, searches of electronic devices, interviews with acquaintances and examination of travel history before charging decisions are made.

Police have confirmed that officers continue examining evidence recovered during searches conducted after the suspect’s arrest.

Authorities have also emphasized that no one else is currently being sought in connection with Widdecombe’s death.

The suspect remains in custody while detectives continue questioning him under extended terrorism legislation, giving investigators additional time to examine evidence before deciding whether criminal charges will be filed.

Officials have not announced when a charging decision is expected.

Until then, investigators continue urging restraint, stressing that establishing motive remains one of the central unanswered questions in the case.

For Widdecombe’s family, supporters and colleagues, the focus remains on remembering the longtime public servant while awaiting answers about what police have described as a targeted attack.

For the suspect’s relatives, the investigation has left them confronting allegations they insist they never imagined possible, even as detectives continue piecing together the events that culminated in one of Britain’s highest-profile homicide investigations of the year.