Counter-terrorism police have reopened an investigation into an attempted burglary that occurred in London in April of last year. The probe has been reopened as part of the ongoing inquiry into the death of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe.
At the time of the initial incident, no arrests were made and the investigation was subsequently closed. However, Counter Terrorism Policing stated on Friday that a line of inquiry had been identified that was not pursued by them initially.
As a result of this development, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) concerning the handling of the original investigation. The Metropolitan Police had received a report of an attempted burglary in the Greater London area, with both the Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing London conducting the initial investigation.
The police watchdog confirmed it is now investigating allegations that a staff member within Counter Terrorism Policing London "failed to identify and pursue a line of inquiry" related to the attempted burglary. Counter Terrorism Policing London has been informed of the IOPC's decision, and no further details are available at this early stage.