- Counter Terrorism Policing London has reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in April 2025, which was previously closed without any arrests.
- The attempted burglary was investigated by the Metropolitan Police and CTP London, but no arrests were made, and the case was closed pending new lines of enquiry.
- Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon on 9 July, leading to the arrest of Joshua Kerr on suspicion of murder on 11 July.
- Following the reopening of the burglary investigation, CTP London identified a missed line of enquiry that may be relevant to the case.
- CTP London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the investigation.
- The IOPC is now investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following an allegation that the employee failed to identify and pursue a line of enquiry related to the attempted burglary.
- There is currently no suggestion from police that the events of the attempted burglary and the murder of Ann Widdecombe are linked.
Counter-terror police have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary reported in April 2025, as they continue to probe the murder of Ann Widdecombe, found dead at her Devon home on July 9. Joshua Kerr, 28, has been charged with her murder.123456
The Metropolitan Police initially closed the burglary case pending new leads, but Counter Terrorism Policing London has since identified a previously overlooked line of inquiry. Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter-terrorism policing, stated, “No arrests were made, and the investigation was subsequently closed, pending any new lines of enquiry.”
Following the reopening, a mandatory conduct referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to review the actions of a staff member who allegedly failed to pursue this line of inquiry. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed, “We can confirm that the IOPC has decided to independently investigate the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral received earlier today.”89
While there is no indication that the burglary and murder are linked, the investigation into the burglary remains open, with no arrests made to date. The victims and families involved have been updated on the developments.
The incident at an address in Greater London was reported in April 2025, and since its reopening, CTP London has been actively pursuing new leads.7
“Joshua Kerr, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with murder after Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on 9 July. The IOPC will investigate a CTP London staff member over an alleged failure to pursue a line of enquiry in the earlier burglary case.”
The Sun
