Counter-terror police reopen 2025 burglary probe linked to Ann Widdecombe murder
Metropolitan Police refer their own conduct to watchdog after identifying missed line of inquiry
Incident → evidence → outcomeCounter Terrorism Policing London has reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in April 2025. The case, initially closed after no arrests were made, has been linked to the ongoing murder inquiry into former MP Ann Widdecombe.
The force confirmed it had identified a line of inquiry that may have been relevant but was not pursued during the original investigation. Senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said the reopening was part of the wider murder probe led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
Conduct referral to watchdog
On Friday 13 June 2026, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The referral follows the identification of the missed line of inquiry in the 2025 burglary case.
The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London originally investigated the attempted burglary but closed the case pending new evidence. It is unclear whether the address involved is connected to Widdecombe or the circumstances of her death.
What happens next
The Independent Office for Police Conduct will review the conduct referral to determine whether further action is required. The reopened burglary investigation remains part of the wider murder inquiry, with no timeline provided for its conclusion.
“As part of the ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, officers have re-opened an investigation into an incident reported to police last year.”
Questions this report answers
01Why was the 2025 burglary investigation reopened?
Counter Terrorism Policing London reopened the case after identifying a potential line of inquiry that was not pursued during the original investigation. The reopening is linked to the murder inquiry into Ann Widdecombe, as reported by The Standard on 13 June 2026.
02What is the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s role in this case?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct received a mandatory conduct referral from Counter Terrorism Policing London on 13 June 2026. The watchdog will review whether further action is needed regarding the missed line of inquiry in the 2025 burglary case.
03Has anyone been arrested in connection with the burglary or Widdecombe’s murder?
No arrests have been made in connection with the attempted burglary reported in April 2025 or the murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe. The case remains under review by Counter Terrorism Policing, as confirmed by The Standard.
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