Counter-Terror Police Reopen Inquiry Into Farage Home 'Firebombing' Attempt

Counter-Terror Police Reopen Inquiry Into Farage Home 'Firebombing' Attempt British counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an alleged attempted firebombing of Nigel Farage’s home in South London last year. The move comes amid broader scrutiny of security protocols following the murder of Reform UK spokeswoman Anne Widdecombe. According to reports, the Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London unit, which is handling the case of Widdecombe’s death, has expanded its probe to include the April 2025 incident at Farage’s residence. In that event, Farage claimed a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox, though no arrests were made. The CTP London spokesperson stated that the investigation into the incident at Farage’s home is being treated as an “attempted burglary” linked to the wider inquiry into Widdecombe’s murder. The unit has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over how it handled the initial report. A statement from the IOPC confirmed that it has decided to independently examine the conduct of a CTP London staff member, citing an allegation that the individual failed to follow up on a potential lead related to the attempted burglary. Vicki Evans, the senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, issued a statement to The Telegraph, confirming that the reopening of the Farage home investigation was part of the ongoing probe into Widdecombe’s death. She emphasized the significance of the public interest in the case, noting that the decision to expand the inquiry was deemed critical. Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice criticized the authorities for failing to take threats against Farage and other officials seriously. He cited several incidents, including one in which he was followed home from outside Parliament by an aggressive man, prompting him to use a panic button. Tice argued that the police referral to the IOPC underscores their acknowledgment of shortcomings in addressing these threats. Nigel Farage himself has faced repeated attacks in public and has endured numerous death threats online. One such threat came from Fayaz Khan, an Afghan immigrant who vowed to travel to England and kill Farage. These threats have intensified since the death of Widdecombe, a longtime ally of Farage. Prosecutors revealed that she was killed by Joshua Kerry, 28, in her Devon home with a hammer, sustaining 21 blows to the head. She was 78 years old. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures for high-profile figures within the political sphere. While the police have acknowledged lapses in their response to previous threats, the recent reopening of the Farage home investigation signals a shift toward greater scrutiny. The IOPC’s involvement suggests that internal reviews are underway, potentially leading to further accountability. As the inquiry unfolds, attention will remain focused on whether past failures in addressing threats have contributed to the current situation. The outcome of these investigations could influence future approaches to protecting individuals facing heightened risks.