Ann Widdecombe murder suspect rearrested on terrorism charges linked to Farage firebombing

A 28-year-old man arrested over Ann Widdecombe's murder has been rearrested on suspicion of terrorism, with charges also linked to an alleged attack on Nigel Farage's home.

Terror charges brought against suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder case

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) has taken over the investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe after the man previously arrested on suspicion of murder was rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, counterterrorbusiness.com reports.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to Widdecombe's home in Devon at around 11:40am on Thursday 9 July, following a call from the ambulance service. She was found with serious injuries.

A 28-year-old man from Rotherham, described by police as white British, was initially arrested on Saturday 11 July on suspicion of murder. Following the emergence of new evidence, Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) assumed leadership of the investigation, and the suspect was subsequently rearrested on terrorism grounds.

The charges against Joshua Kerry, 28, include one count of preparation of terrorist acts — among them alleged activity directed at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whose home is reported to have been firebombed. The charge relates to alleged activity between 31 May 2024 and the present.

Laurence Taylor, Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, said officers were "pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack." Taylor added that CTP was "progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available," and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Taylor also thanked "local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience."

Police had initially stated there was no information to suggest the incident was terrorism-related. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood subsequently confirmed that the suspect had not previously been known to the Prevent programme.

Specialist counter-terrorism officers have been working alongside their Devon and Cornwall counterparts since the investigation was opened last week.

Source: The Sun