Counter-Terrorism Police Reopen Investigation Into Farage Home Incident Following Widdecombe Murder Probe
Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened an inquiry into an April 2025 incident at Nigel Farage’s south London home, where a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says the incident at his home is ‘directly linked’ to the Ann Widdecombe murder, while the police watchdog launched an independent probe into how the initial investigation was handled.
According to BBC News, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London confirmed that detectives looking into Ms. Widdecombe’s death identified a new line of inquiry regarding the 2025 property incident that was not pursued during the initial response.
The April 2025 Incident and the Widdecombe Connection
The initial threat against Mr. Farage occurred in April 2025 at his Greater London residence. While the Reform UK leader was away from the property, a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox. Mr. Farage later described the episode as an “outright arson attempt,” noting that the device burned itself out on the porch. Police initially logged the event as an attempted burglary, noting that damage was sustained to a door but nothing was stolen, and subsequently closed the case.
That closure unraveled following the death of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe last month. The former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, with serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was subsequently charged with her murder and terror-related offenses. As CTP South East spearheaded the murder investigation, detectives uncovered connections that prompted the re-examination of the attack on Mr. Farage’s home.
Watchdog Probe Into Police Conduct
CTP London referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the handling of the 2025 case. The IOPC confirmed it launched an independent investigation into the conduct of a CTP London staff member over allegations that the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry concerning the attempted burglary.
Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans addressed the public interest surrounding the reopened files. “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,” Evans stated. She added that given the nature of the matter and the significant public interest in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, it was of critical importance to provide this update.
Broader Security Fallout for British Politicians
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice voiced criticism of past police responses to threats against party members. “For too long, the threats we have faced have not been taken seriously. The fact that the police have referred themselves to the IOPC speaks for itself. They recognise that they’ve messed up,” Tice stated.
In the wake of Ms. Widdecombe’s killing, Reform UK implemented round-the-clock security protection, paid for by the party, for its MPs amid fears of similar attacks. Mr. Farage has warned that the political space has become more dangerous for those in public life.
Worth a look
- Husein Sastranegara Airport Returns as International Hub with New Flight Routes
- 2.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Pinnacles, CA on August 9
- Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills 13 in Russia’s Deadliest Attack in Two Years (time.news)
- Avoiding Three Midlife Health Risks Linked to 13 More Years Free of Dementia (news-usa.today)
