Counter Terrorism Policing investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have reopened an attempted burglary report from April 2025, identifying a new line of inquiry that was not pursued at the time.
New inquiry in Widdecombe murder case
The 78-year-old former Conservative MP was found with serious injuries at her home in Dartmoor, Devon, last month and was declared dead at the scene. The murder investigation remains ongoing.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East has confirmed it is looking into the attempted burglary report at an address in Greater London in connection with the case. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London had investigated the report, but no arrests were made and the case was closed pending new lines of inquiry.
Referral to police watchdog
Since reopening the investigation, CTP London has identified a line of inquiry that "may have been relevant" but was "not identified and pursued by them at the time." As a result, a mandatory conduct referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "As part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, officers have re-opened 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 enquiry.
"Following the re-opening 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 (IOPC) today, Friday 7 August 2026.
"We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter."
Appeal for information
Evans added: "The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them.
"Given the nature of this matter and the significant public interest in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, it was of critical importance for us to provide this update.
"We would urge the public, and the media, to help us to secure justice for those affected, and be mindful when sharing speculation or information not provided by police."
