Key Points
- Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened a closed 2025 inquiry into an alleged incendiary device attack at the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
- The previous incident, reported in April 2025 as an attempted burglary at a Greater London address, involved a lit device posted through a letterbox, which reportedly burned itself out in the porch.
- Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London identified a line of inquiry that was not identified or pursued during the original investigation, prompting the case to be reopened.
- A mandatory conduct referral has been submitted to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the performance of a CTP London staff member.
- Joshua Kerry, 28, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged in July 2026 with the murder of Ms Widdecombe following her death at her Devon home.
London (South London News) August 8, 2026 —Counter-terrorism officers investigating the murder of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe have formally reopened an inquiry into an alleged attempt to firebomb the Greater London residence of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
As reported by Nadeem Badshah of The Guardian, the incident occurred in April 2025 when a lit incendiary device was reportedly pushed through the letterbox of Mr Farage’s property. At the time, the event was logged by the Metropolitan Police as an attempted burglary and attempted arson.
Officers did not identify any suspects during the initial investigation, leading to the case being closed pending further evidence.
However, in connection with the ongoing murder inquiry led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) into the death of Ms Widdecombe, detectives re-examined previous police files.
CTP London subsequently confirmed that review team officers identified a line of inquiry that “may have been relevant” but had “not been identified and pursued” by investigators during the 2025 probe.
What Statements Have Senior Counter-Terrorism Officials Made Regarding the Probe?
Providing an official update on the progress of the investigation, Senior National Co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans stated that
“as part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, officers have reopened an investigation into an incident reported to police last year”.
Evans noted that
“given the nature of this matter and the significant public interest in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, it was of critical importance for us to provide this update”.
Following the internal review, CTP London made a mandatory conduct referral to the independent police oversight body on Friday. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated:
“We can confirm that the IOPC has decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral received earlier today. The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025”.
What Is Known About the Fatal Attack on Ann Widdecombe?
Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, was found dead on July 9, 2026, at her residence in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor, Devon. Court proceedings later heard that she sustained fatal head injuries after being struck multiple times with a hammer.
On July 11, 2026, police arrested 28-year-old Joshua Kerry in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Kerry was subsequently charged on July 20 with the murder of Ms Widdecombe.
He was also arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism, though formal charges under terrorism legislation have not been brought against him.
As reported by Jamie Grierson, Josh Halliday, and Priya Bharadia of The Guardian, CTPSE assumed overall control of the investigation after initial evidence obtained from searches at the suspect’s address suggested potential ideological or political motivations that warranted detailed analysis.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed that officers were actively examining the planning, preparation, and background context of the crime while keeping an open mind as new details emerge.
Explore More UK News
Norfolk County Council Election Results 2026: Full Seat Breakdown
TfL Lane Rental Charges for Camden and Merton Roadworks in 2026
What Is the Background to This Investigation?
Ms Widdecombe served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone for 23 years, during which she held various government positions including Shadow Home Secretary. She later represented South West England in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before becoming a prominent public spokesperson for Reform UK in 2023.
The April 2025 incident at Mr Farage’s home involved a lit device pushed into his residence. As reported by The Daily Telegraph, Mr Farage was not inside the property at the time of the occurrence, and the device “burned itself out in the porch” without igniting a larger blaze or causing personal injuries.
The decision by counter-terrorism detectives to link the historical file review to the current homicide inquiry marks a significant shift in the operational scope of both police investigations.
How Could This Development Affect Public Officials, Political Security, and the Wider Public?
The decision to reopen an investigation into an attempted attack on a party leader alongside an ongoing murder trial carries noticeable implications for political security, police oversight, and public policy in the United Kingdom.
The connection between these inquiries is likely to accelerate discussions regarding the physical security arrangements provided to politicians and public commentators across all major political parties. Parliamentary authorities and local police forces are likely to review existing security frameworks, leading to increased protective intelligence monitoring and potential adjustments to security protocols at private residences and constituency events.
The involvement of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) brings police handling of historical intelligence under public scrutiny.
The outcome of the IOPC investigation will dictate whether structural changes are necessary within counter-terrorism units regarding how potential threat intelligence and attempted burglaries involving high-profile targets are catalogued and cross-referenced.
For the general public, the ongoing counter-terrorism inquiries highlight broader concerns regarding safety in public life. Police leaders have reiterated the importance of avoiding public speculation that could prejudice active court proceedings.
As legal processes advance, public discussion is expected to focus on maintaining parliamentary safety, preventing targeted violence, and ensuring thorough operational standards across counter-terrorism policing units.
