UK police investigating Widdecombe death reopen old probe

Counter-terror officers probing the murder of former UK MP Ann Widdecombe have re-opened an investigation into a reported attempted burglary that occurred last year. In April 2025, the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London were called to an address in Greater London following the incident. However, despite their investigation, no arrests were made, and the case was deemed closed until new lines of inquiry arose.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now probing the actions of a CTP London employee who allegedly neglected to identify and pursue a relevant line of investigation pertaining to the April 2025 attempted burglary. Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on July 8 after suffering 21 hammer strikes to the head at her home in Haytor, Devon. Joshua Kerry, 28, has since been charged with her murder.

Speaking to the media, Counter Terrorism Policing South East's senior national co-ordinator, Vicki Evans, stated that the reopened investigation into the alleged attempted burglary was vital due to the significant public interest in Ann Widdecombe's death. She added that given the nature of the case, it was crucial to share this update with the public.

CTP London has officially reported the incident to the IOPC for a mandatory conduct review. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed the decision to independently investigate the conduct of the CTP London staff member involved in the original attempted burglary probe. The IOPC's decision follows the allegation that the employee had failed to identify and pursue the relevant line of inquiry in the April 2025 incident.