Counter-terrorism officers have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary at a London property in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, who was killed in July 2026. The inquiry focuses on an incident in April 2025, when a lit incendiary device was reportedly pushed through a letterbox at a residence linked to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 8, after sustaining multiple blows to the head with a hammer. Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on July 20. Authorities continue to investigate possible terrorist offences related to the case, including whether Kerry targeted other Reform politicians.
The Metropolitan Police initially treated the 2025 London incident as an attempted burglary, with no arrests made and the investigation subsequently closed. However, Counter Terrorism Policing London has since reopened the case, identifying a new line of enquiry not pursued at the time. Senior national coordinator Vicki Evans confirmed that this development arose after a review of the earlier probe.
At the time of the original incident, Farage described the attack as an "outright arson attempt," noting he was not at home when the device was placed through his letterbox but discovered damage upon his return. Police had believed the event to be linked to burglary rather than terrorism.
The reopening of the case and the newly identified line of inquiry has prompted Counter Terrorism Policing London to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over possible investigative errors. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed the watchdog would conduct an independent investigation into the conduct of a counter-terrorism officer involved in the original inquiry.
Farage’s allies expressed concern over the police handling of the investigation, describing it as a "very serious policing error." Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said the authorities had been slow to recognize threats and intimidation faced by Reform MPs, citing recent developments as indicative of prior shortcomings.
Police have not confirmed if the London incident and Widdecombe’s murder are directly connected, nor have they made any arrests related to the 2025 attempted burglary.
Joshua Kerry remains in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for June 2027. He has yet to enter a plea and is also under investigation on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities. Prosecutors allege that Kerry traveled approximately 267 miles to carry out the attack at Widdecombe’s home, where he entered through the front door and delivered fatal blows in the kitchen.
Farage resigned from his parliamentary seat amid a separate parliamentary standards inquiry and is standing in an upcoming by-election in Clacton, where he faces limited opposition. Reform UK declined immediate comment on the renewed investigation.