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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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Friday Counter Terrorism Policing said a line of inquiry had been identified that was not “pursued by them at the time”.<\/p>\n
Counter Terrorism Policing London has made a mandatory referral over its handling of the initial investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Farage has previously referred to it as a “lit incendiary device” being pushed through his letterbox. <\/p>\n
Police had said “damage was caused to a door but nothing was stolen”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was later charged with her murder.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n