What to know as Widdecombe probe extended into ‘attempted burglary at Farage’s home’

Counter Terrorism Police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe have reopened an inquiry into an alleged “firebombing” incident at Nigel Farage’s home last year, according to reports. The investigation is believed to be related to an incident in April 2025, which the Reform UK leader told The Daily Telegraph involved a “lit incendiary device” being posted through the letterbox of his south London home. An investigation into the incident was closed with no arrests made at the time, but the police now say a new line of inquiry has emerged. Here’s what we know. What happened at Farage’s home? Earlier this year Farage said there had been an “arson attempt” made on his house the year previously when he wasn’t at home. “When I came back and opened the door I found the damage. Luckily it had burned itself out in the porch,” he told the paper. Farage said the police “did their best” but there were “no suspects”. The case was closed with no arrests. Why is the case being reopened now? CTP London and the Metropolitan Police said on Friday that it was looking into an “attempted burglary” as part of the investigation into Widdecombe’s alleged murder. Officers did not confirm the location of the attempted burglary, but the BBC and The Telegraph reported it is in connection to the incident at Farage’s home. CTP London said it has identified a line of inquiry “which may have been relevant” but was “not identified and pursued by them at the time”. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is now investigating the “conduct” of a CTP London staff member, following an allegation that the employee “failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry”. 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. “Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.” Reform’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, said the authorities only recently woken up to the abuse and intimidation” the party’s politicians suffer. Man charged with Widdecombe’s murder Widdecombe, 78, died on 8 July after sustaining serious injuries at her home in Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on 20 July and appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court the following day. Joshua Kerry at Westminster magistrates’ court on 21 July (Sketch: Julia Quenzler/Reuters) He is alleged to have driven nearly 265 miles (426km) from his home in Rotherham to Widdecombe’s home on Dartmoor on the day of the incident. Westminster magistrates’ court heard that Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer. It’s currently unclear how the incident at Farage’s home is connected to Widdecombe’s death. Widdecombe was a spokeswoman for Reform UK, having previously served as a Tory minister under Sir John Major. Kerry has been remanded in custody. An administrative hearing will take place on 9 October and a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November. A provisional trial date has been set for June 2027.