Reopen 2025 London burglary probe in Widdecombe murder

Counterterrorism police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have reopened a 2025 investigation into an attempted burglary at a London address and referred a staff member to the police watchdog over an alleged failure to pursue a relevant line of inquiry. The developments were announced on Friday, August 7, 2026, by senior officials.

The attempted burglary was reported to the Metropolitan Police in April 2025 at an address in the Greater London area. The investigation, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London, did not lead to any arrests and was closed pending new information. Following the reopening of that case as part of the wider murder probe, investigators identified a potential line of inquiry that was not pursued at the time.

Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, stated that officers have reopened the burglary investigation as part of the ongoing murder inquiry led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East. She emphasized the significant public interest in the case and said the victims and families in both investigations had been updated.

As a result of the newly identified information, Counter Terrorism Policing...