Counter-terrorism detectives investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe are looking again into an attempted burglary last year.
The Strictly Come Dancing contestant and former politician, 78, was found dead in her remote Dartmoor bungalow on July 9 after concern was raised when she suddenly stopped responding to texts and calls.
Counter terrorism specialists took over the investigation last month after a suspect was arrested.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has been charged with the murder of Miss Widdecombe.
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He allegedly ran into her bungalow in Haytor while she was having lunch, the Old Bailey heard previously.
Now the detectives have provided an update on the investigation.
An attempted burglary was reported to the Metropolitan Police more than a year before the former Tory minister died.
It was reported at an address in the Greater London area in April 2025.
At the time, the Met Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London investigated it, but this didn’t lead to any arrests.
The case was eventually closed pending any new leads.
Since the bombshell reopening, CTP London is said to have identified a line of inquiry ‘which may have been relevant’ but was not ‘identified and pursued by them at the time.’
Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, said: ‘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.
‘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.’
The police conduct watchdog, the IOPC, is now investigating the conduct of a CTP London staff member following a mandatory referral from the force.
They are alleged to have ‘failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry’ related to the attempted burglary.
Miss Widdecombe, who was a member of Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party after serving as a Conservative minister, joined Reform UK as its immigration spokesperson in 2023.
She danced on series eight of Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 along with professional dancer Anton Du Beke.
Although she was eliminated in week 10 and received low scores from the judges, her unique style made her a fan favourite.
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