Police investigating Ann Widdecombe's death 'reopen incident at Farage's home'

Counter-terror police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have reopened a year-old probe into an incident at Nigel Farage’s house, ITV News understands.

The force said on Friday they had reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported to the Metropolitan Police in April 2025 in connection with their inquiries into Ms Widdecombe’s death.

The incident, at a property in Greater London, was investigated at the time but no arrests were made.

Since then, CTP London said it had identified a line of inquiry “which may have been relevant” but was “not identified and pursued by them at the time”, and also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Farage revealed his home was targeted with a lit incendiary device posted through the letterbox last year.

The Reform UK leader, who stepped down as an MP in July, had not been home at the time and told the Telegraph it had fortunately “burned itself out in the porch”.

He is understood to be “horrified” at the potential connection between the incident and Ms Widdecombe’s death.

Ms Widdecombe was killed in her Devon home on July 8 / Credit: PA

Ms Widdecombe, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister, died on July 8 after she was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, a court heard.

Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with her murder on July 20.

“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,” said senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans.

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.”

CTP London said it made a “mandatory conduct referral” to the police watchdog on Friday.

An IOPC spokesperson said on Friday: “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.”