Ann Widdecombe murder probe leads counter-terror police to reopen burglary investigation at London address

Counter-terror police have reopened an attempted burglary investigation as part of the Ann Widdecombe murder probe.

The Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the capital in April 2025.

Enquiries were conducted by the force with support of Counter Terrorism Policing London (CTP).

However, the investigation was closed, "pending new line of enquiry" and no arrests were made.

Since Miss Widdecombe's death in July, counter-terrorism police have re-opened the burglary after identifying a new line of enquiry which was not pursued at the time.

CTP made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today, to ensure their support on the burglary is thoroughly reviewed.

It has said it will "engage fully and comprehensively" with the policing watchdog.

Senior National Coordinator for CTP, Vicki Evans, said: "The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them.

"Given the nature of this matter and the significant public interest in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, it was of critical importance for us to provide this update.

"We would urge the public, and the media, to help us to secure justice for those affected, and be mindful when sharing speculation or information not provided by police."

Miss Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and more recently a member of Reform UK, was found dead on July 9 in her home in Haytor, Devon.

Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire was charged with the murder of Miss Widdecombe at the end of July.

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He was first arrested two days after the 78-year-old political veteran was found dead in her Devon home.

Kerry was further arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism on July 13.

Miss Widdecombe was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times, prosecutors told Westminister Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Kashif Malik told the court Miss Widdecombe had been eating lunch when Kerry allegedly pulled up outside the front of her house in a red Vauxhall Corsa and entered using the front door.

After dying due to blunt force trauma, the court heard, Ms Widdecombe was tipped from her chair.

Kerry allegedly took her wallet out of her handbag before leaving and driving off, having only been in the property for two minutes.

She was then discovered by her gardener the following day, lying face down on her kitchen floor with a serious head injury, the court heard.

Kerry, of Byrley Road in Rotherham, is currently remanded in custody.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' again on October 9 for a case management hearing.

Then a plea and trial preparation hearing will take place on November 20.

A provisional trial date has been set for June 8, 2027.