Counter-terror inquiry reopened into incendiary device at Nigel Farage's home

Counter-terror police in London have reopened an inquiry into an incident at Nigel Farage's home in April 2025, after a new line of inquiry was identified. The case involves what Farage described as a lit incendiary device being pushed through his letterbox at his London property. Police have also referred themselves to the police watchdog over how the original investigation was handled.

Sponsored

Farage said at a press conference on Monday that the incident was directly linked to the murder of Ann Widdecombe, although he said he could not say more at this stage. He also said counter-terrorism officers had made mistakes, which he said was why they had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The watchdog said it had decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member after receiving a referral on Friday.

Police said at the time that damage was caused to a door but nothing was stolen. Both Counter Terrorism Policing London and the Metropolitan Police were involved in the original enquiries. No arrests were made and the investigation was closed before the new line of inquiry was identified last week.

Counter Terrorism Policing London said it would fully engage with the watchdog investigation and that victims and families in both investigations had been updated. The case has taken on wider significance because it involves a senior political figure and a counter-terrorism response, as well as questions about how the first inquiry was handled. Farage is the leader of Reform UK and a prominent public figure, which has added attention to the police review.

Sponsored

The reopening of the case also comes against the backdrop of a separate murder investigation linked by Farage to the same broader sequence of events. Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Devon last month with serious injuries. Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, was later charged with her murder.

Police have not explained publicly how the incident at Farage's home is connected to Widdecombe's death, and that link remains unclear. What happens next will depend on the new line of inquiry and the watchdog's review of the original handling of the case. It is not yet known whether the reopened inquiry will lead to any further arrests or charges.

The police have said they are continuing to engage with the investigation, while the wider connection claimed by Farage has not been set out in detail.

#Counter #Terror #Inquiry #Reopened #Incendiary

Sponsored