Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened an inquiry into an April 2025 incident at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s south London home, according to statements from Counter Terrorism Policing London. According to the BBC, the reopened investigation relates to an attempted burglary and a lit incendiary device pushed through Mr. Farage’s letterbox, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an independent investigation into the conduct of a CTP London staff member over the handling of the initial case.
Police Reopen Investigation Into Farage Home Incident
According to Counter Terrorism Policing London, detectives leading the Widdecombe murder investigation identified a new line of inquiry that was not pursued during the initial response to the incident at Mr. Farage’s property. The Metropolitan Police and CTP London previously investigated the April 2025 event as an attempted burglary, noting at the time that damage was caused to a door but nothing was stolen, according to BBC reporting. No arrests were made during the initial inquiry, and the case was subsequently closed.
Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans stated that the review was launched as part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the death of Ms. Widdecombe, according to the Independent. Mr. Farage described the event as an outright arson attempt, telling The Telegraph in April 2025 that the device had burned itself out on his porch. According to the Independent, Mr. Farage is horrified that the year-old investigation into his home has been reopened in connection with the murder probe.
IOPC Launches Independent Watchdog Probe
The Independent Office for Police Conduct announced that it is independently investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following a referral received from the police force, according to BBC coverage. The watchdog stated that the investigation focuses on an allegation that the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry related to the reported attempted burglary at Mr. Farage’s address. CTP London confirmed it will fully engage with the IOPC review, noting that victims and families in both investigations have been updated.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice addressed the police referral, telling The Telegraph that the self-referral speaks for itself and indicates authorities recognize mistakes were made regarding security threats faced by party figures. According to the Independent, Mr. Tice noted that threats against Reform UK officials have not been taken seriously enough by authorities for an extended period.
Connection to Ann Widdecombe Murder Charges
Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home on Dartmoor in Haytor, Devon, last month with serious injuries, according to court proceedings reported by the Independent. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder on July 20, after being initially arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11 and additionally arrested on suspicion of terrorism on July 13, according to BBC and Independent reports. Mr. Kerry has not yet entered a plea and remains remanded in custody.
Following Ms. Widdecombe’s death, Reform UK MPs were provided with round-the-clock security protection funded by the party due to concerns over similar attacks, according to the Independent. Mr. Farage expressed concern regarding public safety for figures in the political space, stating that conditions have grown increasingly dangerous.
Worth a look