Counter terror police investigating Ann Widdecombe murder reopen attempted burglary probe

Counter terror police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe say they have reopened a probe into an attempted burglary that was reported more than a year before she died.

Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of the former Tory minister who was found dead at her Devon home on 9 July.

In an update on Friday, it was revealed the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area in April 2025.

Counter terror police have now reopened the investigation into this incident and a staff member has been referred to the police watchdog for allegedly failing to follow up a line of inquiry.

"Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London," said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing.

"No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry."

Ms Evans added: "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.

"We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter.

"The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them."

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Reform UK spokeswoman Ms Widdecombe was having lunch when Kerry allegedly burst into her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, the Old Bailey heard previously.

Ms Widdecombe was struck 21 times on the head with a hammer, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, two days after Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her property.

He was also arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism - but he has not been charged with this offence.

Kerry will appear at the Old Bailey on 9 October for a case management hearing before a further plea and trial preparation hearing on 20 November.

A provisional trial date was listed for 8 June 2027.

An IOPC spokesperson said of the burglary investigation: "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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Counter terror police investigating Ann Widdecombe murder reopen attempted burglary probe