Ann Widdecombe investigation update as police issue new statement

Counter-terrorism police investigating the death of former MP and Express columnist Ann Widdecombe have issued an update today. A statement from Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said that, as part of the ongoing probe led by Counter Terrorism Policing South East into the death of Ms Widdecombe, officers have reopened an investigation into an incident reported to police last year.

In April 2025, the Metropolitan Police received a report of an attempted burglary at an address in the Greater London area, the statement read. Enquiries were carried out by the Metropolitan Police, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing London. No arrests were made, and the investigation was closed pending any new lines of enquiry, the statement said.

After the investigation into the reported incident was reopened, Counter Terrorism Policing London said they had identified a line of inquiry that “was not identified and pursued by them at the time”, which “may have been relevant”, the statement also read.

On Friday, Counter Terrorism Policing London made a mandatory conduct referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) “to ensure their support to the initial investigation is thoroughly reviewed”.

The statement from Evans also read: “We will engage fully and comprehensively with the IOPC on this matter.

“The victims and families in both investigations have been updated today, and we continue to support them.

“Given the nature of this matter and the significant public interest in the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death, it was of critical importance for us to provide this update.

“We would urge the public, and the media, to help us to secure justice for those affected, and be mindful when sharing speculation or information not provided by police.”

The police watchdog said they are investigating the conduct of a Counter Terrorism Policing London staff member.

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said: “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.

“The conduct relates to an allegation the individual failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry relating to an attempted burglary reported in April 2025.

“Counter Terrorism Policing London has been notified of our decision, and no further information is available at this early stage.”