Counter-terrorism police investigating the death of ex-MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened an inquiry into a report of an attempted burglary at a London address in April last year.
The BBC understands the reported incident occurred at a property used by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. No arrests were made and the investigation was closed.
On Friday Counter Terrorism Policing said a line of inquiry had been identified that was not “pursued by them at the time”.
Counter Terrorism Policing London has made a mandatory referral over its handling of the initial investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The Metropolitan Police had received a report of an attempted burglary in the Greater London area, the statement said, with the initial investigation carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London.
The BBC understands that the incident being referred to as an “attempted burglary” in the statement from Counter Terrorism Policing was one at Nigel Farage’s home in south London.
Farage has previously referred to it as a “lit incendiary device” being pushed through his letterbox.
Police had said “damage was caused to a door but nothing was stolen”.
The police watchdog has said it is investigating allegations that a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member “failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry” related to the attempted burglary.
“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,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025.
“Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.”
Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon last month with serious injuries.
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was later charged with her murder.
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, before being additionally arrested on 13 July on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
Widdecombe had served as Tory MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and was appointed to ministerial roles in Sir John Major’s government in the 1990s.
