by Steven Swinford, The Times
Detectives reopen inquiry into an incendiary device put through the Reform leader’s letterbox
Police are investigating whether the man charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe is linked to an incident in which a lit incendiary device was pushed through the letterbox of Nigel Farage’s home.
Joshua Kerry, 28, was charged with the murder of Widdecombe last month at her home in Devon. At first Devon and Cornwall police had ruled out that the Reform UK politician’s death was politically motivated, but the case was then transferred to counterterror police.
Kerry was initially arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, before being additionally arrested on July 13 on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.
On Friday, counterterror police investigating Widdecombe’s death said they had reopened the inquiry in what was previously described as an attempted burglary of Farage’s home.
The Reform UK leader told The Telegraph in April this year that a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox which “luckily … burned itself out in the porch”.
The investigation into the attempted burglary, carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Counterterrorism Policing (CTP) London, was closed and no arrests made.
After the investigation was reopened, counterterrorism police said they had identified a line of inquiry that “was not identified and pursued by them at the time”, and which “may have been relevant”. The force has since referred itself to the police watchdog.