Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister and prominent Reform UK figure, have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in April 2025 at a Greater London address. According to multiple sources, this reopening is part of their ongoing inquiry into Widdecombe's death.
Key Takeaways
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary at Nigel Farage’s former London residence as part of their probe into Ann Widdecombe's murder. The IOPC is investigating potential lapses in initial inquiries, while Joshua Kerry awaits trial for Widdecombe's killing.
- Police are examining fingerprints and CCTV footage from the April 2025 incident at Farage’s home
- Counter Terrorism Policing London referred itself to the IOPC over missed lines of inquiry
- Nigel Farage expressed confidence in counter-terrorism police, stating they were not covering up any information
- Ann Widdecombe was killed with a hammer and her death is being investigated for potential political motives
Source Claims Check
High Consensus| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation Reopening | Broad Agreement | Police reopened burglary inquiry linked to Widdecombe murder probe | |
| Iopc Investigation | Broad Agreement | IOPC investigating CTP London staff conduct over missed inquiries | |
| Joshua Kerry Charges | Broad Agreement | Kerry charged with murder, suspected of terrorism-related offenses | |
| Widdecombe Death Details | Broad Agreement | Widdecombe found dead July 9 at Devon home, attacked day before | |
| Investigation Into Farage Incident | Broad Agreement | Police investigating Kerry's role in attempted burglary at Farage’s home |
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London staff member amid allegations they failed to identify and pursue relevant lines of inquiry related to the attempted burglary. The IOPC confirmed this investigation following a mandatory referral from CTP London.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has been charged with Widdecombe's murder and was arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses but not yet charged for those. As reported by the Daily Mail, Kerry allegedly bludgeoned Widdecombe 21 times with a hammer during a two-minute assault captured on camera.
Widdecombe, who served as an MP before joining Reform UK, was found dead at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, on July 9. The initial investigation by Devon and Cornwall police led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot, but he was later released without charge. Sky News reported that Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey for further hearings before a provisional trial date set for June 8, 2027.
Police are now investigating whether Joshua Kerry had any role in an attempted burglary last year at Nigel Farage’s then London home. The incident was initially recorded as a burglary but other sources describe it as an attempted arson. Detectives are studying fingerprints taken from the scene, as well as video from CCTV cameras and devices such as video doorbells to determine if an accelerant was used.
On Friday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) said it had referred itself to the police watchdog over the initial investigation of the April 2025 incident. The Reform leader Nigel Farage expressed confidence in counter-terrorism police and stated that they were not trying to cover anything up. Widdecombe’s body was found with “serious injuries” by paramedics at her home in Haytor Vale, Devon, at 11:40am on Thursday July 9.
The IOPC's investigation into CTP London staff conduct is ongoing, with no further details available as of now. The victims and families involved have been updated by the police, who continue to support them through this process. This development highlights potential oversight in initial investigations and underscores the complexities involved in high-profile murder cases.
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