Full Breakdown
Police Reopen 2025 Attack on Nigel Farage’s Home After Ann Widdecombe Murder
8/13/2026, 12:53:52 AM
Core Event: Reopened Inquiry Links Two High-Profile Cases
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into the April 2025 incident at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s south-London residence. Detectives are now examining whether the man charged with former politician Ann Widdecombe’s murder, Joshua Kerry, was also involved in that earlier incident.
Background & Context: Original 2025 Investigation
In April 2025 the Metropolitan Police recorded an “attempted burglary” at Farage’s address. Some media described it as an attempted arson involving a “lit incendiary device” pushed through the letterbox, which burned out on the porch. No arrests were made and the case was closed pending new leads.
Data & Statistics: Timeline of Key Developments
- April 2025 – Incident at Farage’s home reported.
- July 8 – Widdecombe’s body found after being struck with a hammer in Devon.
- July 11 – Joshua Kerry arrested on suspicion of murder.
- July 13 – Kerry also arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences.
- July 20 – Kerry, 28, formally charged with Widdecombe’s murder.
- August 7 – CTP London reopens the 2025 incident and refers itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Official Statements & Responses
- Nigel Farage said the reopened probe is “directly linked” to Widdecombe’s death and described the 2025 incident as an “outright arson attempt.” He noted that counter-terrorism officers “made some mistakes,” prompting the self-referral to the IOPC.
- CTP London said the new line of inquiry may be relevant to the murder case and that the self-referral is intended to ensure a thorough review.
- IOPC is investigating a CTP staff member alleged to have failed to pursue the relevant line of inquiry in 2025.
- Investigators note that Widdecombe’s killing has not yet been classified as a terrorist incident, though CTP leads the probe because of a possible political motive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Media differ on the 2025 incident’s description: “attempted burglary” versus “fire-bomb” or “lit incendiary device” arson attempt.
- No public evidence links Kerry to the Farage incident; the precise nature of any connection remains undisclosed.
- The legal classification of the 2025 attack as a terrorist act is still unresolved.
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigations
- The IOPC’s review of the CTP staff member’s conduct is underway, with findings expected later in the year.
- Joshua Kerry remains in custody; his next court appearance is pending.
- Counter-terrorism officials continue to examine forensic evidence from the 2025 incident, including fingerprints and CCTV footage, to assess any link to the Widdecombe murder.
