Counter-terror police reopen attempted burglary probe as part of Widdecombe inquiry

Counter-terrorism investigators have reopened a probe into an alleged attempted burglary at the former MP Ann Widdecombe's London residence in April last year. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London initially handled the case, but no arrests were made at the time due to the closure of the investigation pending further lines of inquiry.

Counter Terrorism Policing London has now identified a new line of inquiry not pursued during the original investigation. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made a mandatory referral over the Met's handling of the initial inquiry. The Metropolitan Police received a report of the attempted burglary in the Greater London area, with the investigation carried out jointly by the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative MP from Maidstone in Kent, was found dead at her Devon home with severe injuries last month. Joshua Kerry, hailing from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder. Initially arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11th, Kerry was subsequently charged on July 13th with acts of terrorism.