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UK police reopen attempted burglary case as part of Widdecombe murder probe - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Headlines

UK police reopen attempted burglary case as part of Widdecombe murder probe

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 7, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: August 9, 2026

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UK Police Reopen Attempted Burglary Case Linked to Widdecombe Murder Investigation

Details of the Reopened Investigation

Background of the Attempted Burglary

Aug 7 (Reuters) - British counterterrorism police said on Friday they reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported last year in London as part of their probe into the murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe.

The Metropolitan Police in April 2025 received a report of an attempted burglary at a Greater London area address. The Metropolitan Police carried out enquiries with support from Counter Terrorism Policing London but no arrests were made and the probe was then closed. 

New Lines of Enquiry

"Following the re-opening of the attempted burglary investigation, Counter Terrorism Policing London identified a line of enquiry which was not identified and pursued by them at the time, which may have been relevant," said Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing.

The police did not provide further details on how the two cases may have been connected.

Widdecombe Murder Case Overview

Profile of Ann Widdecombe

Widdecombe, 78, a prominent figure in Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, was found dead at her home in rural southwest England on July 9 after being attacked the day before.

Suspect and Ongoing Investigation

Charges Filed

British prosecutors on July 20 charged Joshua Kerry, 28, with the murder. Police have said their investigation into the motive, including any possible political motivation, remains ongoing.

(Reporting by Natalia Bueno Rebolledo in Mexico City; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • An attempted burglary reported in April 2025 was reopened by Counter Terrorism Policing London after a new line of inquiry emerged in the Widdecombe murder investigation (theguardian.com).
  • Ann Widdecombe, aged 78 and a Reform UK figure, was found dead on July 9, with a suspect—Joshua Kerry, aged 28—charged with her murder on July 20; motive remains under investigation (counterterrorism.police.uk).
  • Police are keeping an open mind on motive—including possible political or terrorism links—and are probing whether the attempted burglary and murder are connected (theguardian.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did UK police reopen the attempted burglary case?
Police reopened the attempted burglary case as part of their ongoing probe into Ann Widdecombe's murder after identifying a new line of enquiry.
How is the attempted burglary linked to Ann Widdecombe's murder?
The Metropolitan Police have not disclosed the exact nature of the link between the attempted burglary and Widdecombe’s murder.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the attempted burglary?
No arrests have been made in the attempted burglary case as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
Who has been charged with Ann Widdecombe's murder?
Joshua Kerry, aged 28, has been charged with the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Is there any information about the motive for the murder?
Police are still investigating the motive for the murder, including the possibility of political motivation.

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