Full Breakdown
Reopened London burglary probe linked to Ann Widdecombe murder
8/11/2026, 8:04:45 AM
Core Event
British counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an April 2025 attempted burglary – described by the victim as an “outright arson attempt” – at a Greater London address owned by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The review is part of the murder probe into former minister Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found on 9 July 2026 after she was struck on the head with a hammer 21 times. Police are examining whether the suspect, Joshua Kerry, 28, is also connected to the London incident.
Background & Context
In April 2025 the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, recorded an attempted burglary at Farage’s south-London home. Farage told the *Telegraph* that a “lit incendiary device” had been shoved through his letterbox and burned out on the porch. The case was closed with no arrests. Following Widdecombe’s murder, CTP identified a line of inquiry that had not been pursued and reopened the 2025 case, referring it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Timeline
- April 2025 – Attempted burglary/arson at Farage’s address; investigation closed.
- 8 July 2026 – Widdecombe attacked at her Devon home.
- 9 July 2026 – Body discovered; murder investigation launched.
- 20 July 2026 – Joshua Kerry charged with Widdecombe’s murder.
- 7 August 2026 – CTP London reopens the 2025 burglary probe and makes a mandatory conduct referral to the IOPC.
- 8 June 2027 – Provisional trial date set for Kerry’s murder case.
Official Statements & Responses
Nigel Farage said the reopening “directly links” the London incident to Widdecombe’s death and expressed confidence in the transparency of counter-terrorism officers. Senior national coordinator Vicki Evans said the renewed inquiry identified a previously missed line of inquiry and that the IOPC referral will review the original handling. Police have not disclosed further details on a possible connection between Kerry and the London attack.
Criticism & Opposition
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticised the police, stating that authorities had long failed to treat threats against Reform figures seriously. He described the IOPC referral as evidence of a “very serious policing error” and noted that the party had been forced to provide round-the-clock security for its MPs after Widdecombe’s killing.
Data & Statistics
- Ann Widdecombe, 78, was struck 21 times with a hammer.
- Joshua Kerry, 28, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July 2026, charged on 20 July, and additionally arrested on 13 July on suspicion of terrorism-related offences.
- The London incident involved a “lit incendiary device” placed in a letterbox; no suspects were identified at the time.
- A provisional trial for Kerry is scheduled for 8 June 2027.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry.” — Vicki Evans
- “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.” — IOPC spokesman
What’s Next
The IOPC’s independent investigation into the CTP staff member’s conduct will continue, while counter-terrorism officers pursue any link between Kerry and the 2025 London incident. The murder case proceeds toward a trial on 8 June 2027, with further court hearings slated for 9 October 2026 and 20 November 2026.
