Counter terrorism police are investigating whether Joshua Kerry, the man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe, is linked to an attempted break-in at Nigel Farage's home.
Kerry, 28, is accused of killing Ms Widdecombe last month at the bungalow where she lived alone in Devon. Devon and Cornwall police initially ruled out any political motivation for the Reform UK politician's death, but the case was later transferred to counter terrorism police.
Reopened Inquiry
On Friday, officers investigating Ms Widdecombe's murder said they had reopened an inquiry into what was described as an attempted burglary at Mr Farage's home in April 2025. Detectives are reportedly studying fingerprints taken from the scene, as well as CCTV footage from devices such as video doorbells.
The investigation, by the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, was closed with no arrests made. Counter terrorism police now say they have identified a line of inquiry that "was not identified and pursued by them at the time" and which "may have been relevant". The force has referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Farage's Response
Police are reportedly examining whether there is a connection between Kerry and the incident, and that Farage has been informed. At a press conference on Monday after a meeting with counterterrorism police, Farage said: "This is directly linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe."
Farage said he believed counterterrorism officers had "made some mistakes" in the original case but that he still had confidence in them. He said of CTP's decision to refer itself to the IOPC: "The fact they've done that shows you they're not trying to cover up, they're not trying to ignore, and I have to say I have met Laurence Taylor [the head of CTP] and I did feel a great, great confidence in it."
Background
Ms Widdecombe, 78, a Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister, died on July 8 after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon. Kerry was charged with her murder on July 20.
At the time of the incident at his home last year, Mr Farage said: "It was an outright arson attempt. I wasn't at home at the time, but when I came back and opened the door I found the damage."
Counter Terrorism Policing said on Friday: "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.
"In April 2025, the Metropolitan police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area. Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London. No arrests were made and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of inquiry.
"Following the reopening of the attempted burglary investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of enquiry which was not identified and pursued by them at the time, which may have been relevant.
"As a result, to ensure their support to the initial investigation is thoroughly reviewed, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct today."
