Counter-terror police probing the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe have reopened a year-old investigation into a “firebomb” attack at Nigel Farage’s house, it has been reported.
A “lit incendiary device” was posted through the Reform UK leader’s mailbox in Greater London in April 2025, the Telegraph said.
Mr Farage earlier described the alleged attack as an “outright arson attempt”.
He said that he was not in at the time, and he found the damage when he returned home.
“Luckily it had burned itself out on the porch,” he told the Telegraph in April this year.
The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London said that they investigated an “attempted burglary”, but no arrests were made.
open image in galleryThe case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry.
Since it was reopened, CTP London has identified a line of inquiry “which may have been relevant” but was “not identified and pursued by them at the time”.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, is now investigating the “conduct” of a CTP London staff member, following an allegation that the employee “failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry” related to the attempted burglary.
Ms Widdecombe, a Reform UK spokesperson and former Conservative minister, died on 8 July.
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. He has not yet entered a plea.
At a hearing at the Old Bailey, it was alleged that Ms Widdecombe was hit 21 times with a hammer.
open image in gallerySenior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: “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.
She added: “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.”
CTP London said it made a “mandatory conduct referral” to the police watchdog on Friday.
An IOPC spokesperson said on Friday: “We can confirm that the IOPC has decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral received earlier today.
“The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025.
“Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.”