Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened a year-old case into an alleged incident at the home of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London confirmed that officers are now examining a line of inquiry that was previously missed.
Alleged incendiary device posted through letterbox
The incident was reported in April 2025 and allegedly involved a lit incendiary device being pushed through the letterbox of Mr Farage's south London home, according to the Telegraph. At the time, police treated it as an attempted burglary, but no arrests were made and the case was closed pending new evidence.
Mr Farage told the Telegraph in April that the device was an "outright arson attempt" and that he was not at home when it happened. He said: "Luckily it had burned itself out in the porch." Police investigated but did not identify any suspects.
New line of inquiry identified
CTP London has since identified a line of inquiry "which may have been relevant" but was "not identified and pursued by them at the time". The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member over allegations they failed to identify and pursue this line of inquiry.
Vicki Evans, senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "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." She added: "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."
IOPC investigates conduct referral
CTP London made a mandatory conduct referral to the police watchdog on Friday, August 7. An IOPC spokesperson said: "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 enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025."
The spokesperson added: "Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage."
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation
Ms Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, died on July 8. A court heard she was allegedly hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor, on Dartmoor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on July 20.
The connection between the reopened arson case and the murder investigation has not been detailed by police, but the timing suggests a potential link. The investigation into Ms Widdecombe's death is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, and the reopening of the Farage case indicates that officers are exploring all possible avenues.
Public interest and next steps
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of both individuals involved. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The IOPC investigation into the conduct of the CTP London staff member is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
This development underscores the complexity of the investigation into Ms Widdecombe's murder and the importance of thorough police work. The reopening of the Farage case serves as a reminder that even closed cases can be revisited when new lines of inquiry emerge.
