London police arrest man over alleged threat as reports name Farage as target

London police said on Wednesday that they had arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of sending threatening communications, while media reports named Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as the target.

The Metropolitan Police said the arrest in London on Tuesday was linked to a social media post from earlier this year that was reported to police on Friday, May 8. The suspect was held in police custody overnight and later released on bail while inquiries continue.

The statement came after it emerged that Farage, an anti-immigration politician and leader of the hard-right Reform UK party, had been warned on social media before local election results in May with a message threatening to shoot him if he won.

The arrest followed the announcement that counter-terrorism police were continuing to hold a suspect arrested over the alleged murder of veteran right-wing politician Ann Widdecombe.

Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said Widdecombe, 78, died in a targeted attack. Widdecombe, a Reform UK spokesperson and former Conservative minister, was found dead on Thursday at her remote home in Devon, southwest England. Counter-terrorism police took over that investigation on Monday.

A 28-year-old white British man was detained on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, as well as on suspicion of murder.

Farage has repeatedly raised concerns about his personal safety. During his 2024 campaign to become an MP, a milkshake and a coffee cup were thrown at him.

Farage has also faced criticism over a £5 million, or $6.7 million, gift from a Thailand-based crypto entrepreneur. Farage said the money was to pay for his protection. He was facing a parliamentary probe over the donation when he resigned as an MP earlier this month, triggering a local election he hopes to win.