Counter-terrorism police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage house incident
On 7 August 2026, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans issued a statement confirming the development as part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East. In April 2025, the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area. Enquiries were handled by the Met, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London. No arrests were made, and the case was closed pending further leads.
After reopening the investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a previously missed line of enquiry that “may have been relevant.” As a result, the force made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its support for the original probe. Victims and families in both investigations have been updated, and police continue to support them. Evans urged the public and media to avoid speculation and assist in securing justice.
The Widdecombe murder case
Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister, Brexit Party MEP, and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July 2026. She had sustained serious injuries in what police later described as a “targeted attack.” Prosecutors have alleged she was struck on the head 21 times with a hammer while eating lunch on 8 July.
Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged with her murder. He was initially arrested on suspicion of murder, then further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism after Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation following new information and evidence. Motivation, including any possible political element, remains under active investigation.
Dan Wootton’s exclusive claim
Broadcaster Dan Wootton reported that the reopened investigation concerns the firebombing of Nigel Farage’s home last year. Farage, the Reform UK leader, publicly described in April 2026 how a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox in early 2025 while he was away. He said the device burned itself out in the porch, police investigated thoroughly, but no suspects were identified.
Police previously characterised the Farage incident as an attempted burglary at an address in Bromley (Greater London) between 17 and 20 April 2025, involving damage to a door but no theft. Farage has a property in the borough. This matches the timing and description in the new police update.
Wootton argued the development raises the “terrifying possibility” that Widdecombe’s alleged killer may have targeted Farage first, and called for Farage to receive full government security as a priority. Mainstream coverage has generally referred to the address simply as being in Greater London or, in some cases, linked it to Widdecombe’s London connections, without naming Farage.
Broader context
The reopening and IOPC referral highlight potential shortcomings in how earlier leads were pursued. Farage has long spoken of security threats, including the 2025 incident, and has relied on private funding for protection. Widdecombe’s killing, treated as targeted and with a counter-terrorism dimension, has intensified debates over the safety of politicians, particularly those associated with Reform UK.
Police emphasise that the Widdecombe investigation remains complex and ongoing, with the reopened probe forming one strand. No further arrests or charges linked to the 2025 incident have been announced. The case continues to draw significant public interest, with officers stressing the need for accurate information over speculation.
