00:00Counter-terrorism South East are now leading the investigation into the death of Anne Whittacombe.
00:06This is due to new information and evidence coming to light following the arrest of a 28-year-old man
00:13on Saturday in South Yorkshire.
00:17I know there will be lots of questions about what that new information is, but this is a live investigation,
00:24so I am limited on the details that I can give.
00:28However, it is clear that this was a targeted attack.
00:34We are still working to understand the extent of any planning or preparation and the motivation that sits behind that
00:41attack,
00:42and I do not want to comment further on this at this stage of our enquiries.
00:48Extensive searches have taken place at an address in Rotherham, and scenes remain in place as that activity continues.
00:54We have also been granted a warrant of further detention, which means the suspect can now be held for questioning
01:02for up to seven days under the Terrorism Act.
01:06He remains under arrest on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion
01:17of murder.
01:20I am very aware of the significant levels of public interest in this case, given that Ms. Whittacombe was such
01:26a high-profile political and public figure, and familiar to many.
01:32I do not intend to address every bit of speculation we have seen, but I would like to use this
01:37opportunity to remind the public that investigations of this type are complex and new information can emerge as officers progress
01:45their enquiries.
01:47And we intend to release further information when it is available and when it is appropriate to do so.
01:54Thank you very much.
Comments