Police probe Farage incident link to Widdecombe murder suspect

Police are investigating a potential link between the man charged with the murder of former politician Ann Widdecombe and an attempted burglary at Nigel Farage's former London home.

Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with the murder of Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her Devon home in July. Counter-terrorism police are now reinvestigating an incident from April 2025 at Farage's then-London residence, which was initially treated as an attempted burglary but is also described by some sources as an attempted arson.

Detectives are scrutinizing fingerprints, CCTV footage from the surrounding area, and video from devices like video doorbells. They are also examining the scene for any signs that an accelerant, such as lighter fluid, may have been used. The investigation into the 2025 incident was initially closed by the Metropolitan police without any arrests.

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It’s a great, great tragedy that it took the death of Ann for the security services in Britain to finally take seriously the safety and security of Reform politicians and Reform prominent figures.

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its initial investigation of the 2025 incident. CTP London stated that a line of inquiry not pursued at the time may have been relevant, prompting the referral for a thorough review of their support for the initial investigation.

Nigel Farage commented that it took Widdecombe's death for security services to take the safety of Reform politicians seriously. He expressed confidence in the counter-terrorism police and their decision to refer themselves to the IOPC, viewing it as a sign of transparency.

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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.