Counter-terror police reopen attempted burglary probe as part of Widdecombe inquiry
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Counter-terrorism police reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary linked to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
- The inquiry was initially closed but reopened due to a newly identified line of inquiry not pursued at the time.
- Counter Terrorism Policing London has referred its handling of the initial investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary that occurred in London last April. The probe is linked to the ongoing inquiry into the death of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe.
No arrests were made at the time of the attempted burglary, and the investigation was initially closed. However, Counter Terrorism Policing announced Friday that a new line of inquiry has been identified. This line of inquiry was not pursued by the police at the time of the initial investigation.
Counter Terrorism Policing London has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its handling of the initial investigation. The IOPC stated it is investigating allegations that a staff member failed to identify and pursue a relevant line of inquiry related to the attempted burglary. The 78-year-old former MP was found dead at her home in Devon last month with serious injuries. Joshua Kerry has been charged with her murder.
Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.
Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.