Police investigation into firebomb attack on Farage’s home reopened
Nigel Farage has expressed horror over what he describes as a botched police investigation into an alleged firebomb attack on his residence in April 2025, a year prior to the murder of his Reform colleague Ann Widdecombe, reports BritPanorama.
Following the recent murder of Widdecombe, police have revisited the incident at Farage’s home, admitting that a potential line of inquiry was overlooked previously. The Counter Terrorism Policing unit has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to this apparent oversight.
Farage’s allies have conveyed their dismay, citing a significant policing error as the reason for the self-referral to the IOPC, an action described as unprecedented. A source remarked, “There has been a very serious policing error which is why counter terror police have referred themselves to IOPC, which is unprecedented.”
Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice has also pointed out a history of threats against party members, stressing that the police response to these issues has been insufficient. He stated, “For too long, the threats we have faced have not been taken seriously.”
Farage noted that a “lit incendiary device” had been pushed through his letterbox during the incident. At the time, police had classified the event as an attempted burglary, closing the case without making any arrests.
However, Counter Terror Policing has admitted there were relevant leads not pursued at the time. Investigations into potential terrorist offences regarding Widdecombe’s murder are ongoing, although authorities have not connected the two cases directly. No arrests have been made concerning the April 2025 burglary.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor of the Metropolitan Police has indicated that one line of investigation focuses on whether the suspect in Widdecombe’s murder was targeting “other Reform politicians.”
Farage, who has been vocal about his security concerns and received significant financial backing for personal security measures, described the incident at his residence as “an outright arson attempt.” He recounted finding damage upon returning home, adding, “Luckily, it had burned itself out and we think maybe the perpetrators were disturbed in the act.”
As investigations unfold, an IOPC spokesperson confirmed their independent investigation into a Counter Terrorism Policing staff member’s conduct following the newly opened inquiry. The family of Ann Widdecombe has been made aware of these developments.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and public figure, was found dead at her home in July under tragic circumstances, with her killer allegedly attacking her in a brief, violent encounter. Joshua Kerry, the 28-year-old suspect, is currently awaiting trial on multiple charges, including murder and terrorism.
Kerry reportedly drove267 miles to carry out the attack, gaining entry through the front door and subsequently assaulting Widdecombe with a hammer. He remains in custody, with no plea entered as of yet.
The unfolding events highlight the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing threats against public figures and raise questions about the adequacy of existing protective measures.
