Counterterrorism police reopen Farage firebomb probe after Widdecombe death

Counterterrorism detectives have reopened an investigation into an alleged firebomb attack on Nigel Farage’s home in Westminster. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the move on 29 July 2026, after officers reviewing the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe identified an unexamined line of inquiry connected to the April 2025 incident.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its handling of the case. A spokesperson for the Met told London Crime News the referral followed a review of evidence that had not been pursued at the time of the alleged attack.

Farage accuses police of past failures

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticised counterterrorism police for what he described as mistakes in their initial response. Speaking to reporters on 28 July 2026, Farage said the referral to the IOPC was unprecedented and linked directly to the investigation into Widdecombe’s death.

Farage claimed Reform UK figures had been treated differently from other politicians before Widdecombe’s death. He told reporters, "It’s a great, great tragedy that it took the death of Ann for the security services in Britain to finally take seriously the safety and security of Reform politicians and Reform prominent figures."

He later added that he would not comment further to avoid prejudicing the investigation but expressed confidence in the current counterterrorism team’s work.

What happens next

The IOPC will now assess the Met’s referral to determine whether to launch a full investigation into the police response to the alleged firebomb attack. A spokesperson for the watchdog said it would review the evidence before deciding on the next steps.

The reopened counterterrorism investigation remains active, with detectives continuing to examine the April 2025 incident. No arrests have been reported in connection with the alleged attack or Widdecombe’s death.