The basic limits are set out section 41 to 43 of PACE - Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 section 41, section 42, section 43. The maximum time is 96 hours and (usually) runs from the time of arrest.
When an individual is arrested under under terrorism legislation (e.g. Terrorism Act 2000 section 41) it becomes possible for detention to extend up to 14 days.
Ann Widdecombe:
On 9 July the former Member of Parliament
(for Maidstone, Kent) was found dead at her home in Devon. A man (age 26) was arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released. Subsequently, a different man (age 28) was arrested in Rotherham (South Yorkshire) on suspicion of murder and was later re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.The case continues to be investigated by North East | Counter Terrorism Policing.
It has been reported that the Police have seven additional days to question the suspect" - Ann Widdecombe killing: police investigating possible leftwing motivation | UK news | The Guardian (14 July).
On 13 July 2026 the Home Secretary made a statement in the House of Commons - Death of Ann Widdecombe - Hansard - UK Parliament.
The Minister's statement noted that the former Lord Chancellor, Sir Robert Buckland, has been commissioned to review the lessons from Sir David Amess’s murder, including into required improvements to security for MPs working in their constituencies - Sir Robert Buckland KC appointed to review the death of Sir David Amess - GOV.UK
Contempt of Court Act 1981:
The Contempt of Court Act 1981 applies a strict liability rule to publications which create a substantial risk that the course of justice in the proceedings will be seriously impeded or restricted. Proceedings have to be "active" to invoke the rule.
Criminal proceedings are "active" from the moment of arrest without warrant.
Links:
How Long Can Police Detain a Suspect Without Charge? (England & Wales 2026) – UKLegalGuides.com
UK Police rearrest the suspect in Ann Widdecombe killing on terrorism suspicion - ABC News (13 July)
Jo Cox: Man jailed for 'terrorist' murder of MP - BBC News
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