UK Man Charged With Terror Plot Against Nigel Farage And Widdecombe Murder
On Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, UK prosecutors charged Joshua Kerry with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, accusing him of plotting attacks that included targeting MP Nigel Farage and he already faces murder charges in Devon.[1]
Kerry has been in custody since late July and is accused of killing former MP Ann Widdecombe in a July 8 hammer attack at her Devon home, prosecutors say.[1] Counterterrorism Policing said the terrorism probe covered activity between May 31 and July 8 and involved detectives, analysts and forensic experts.[1] Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the new terrorism charge "extremely concerning" and said it raises serious questions about security for people in public life.[1]
On July 8, 2026, prosecutors say Widdecombe was attacked with a hammer at her Devon home and that a wallet was taken from the scene.[1]
Separately, UK authorities charged Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi with preparing terrorist acts over an alleged plot to target Manchester's Jewish community and said the men had contacts with a possible Iran-based third party.[2] Prosecutors also said the men scouted a synagogue in Manchester in a plan that allegedly involved using chlorine as a weapon.[2]
The two sets of charges have renewed scrutiny of security for public figures and of protections for vulnerable communities, and authorities say investigations remain active.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, October 2, 2026, UK prosecutors charged Joshua Kerry with one count of preparation of terrorist acts, allegedly including plans against Nigel Farage MP.
- Kerry has been in custody since late July, accused of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe during a July 8, 2026 hammer attack in her Devon home and stealing her wallet.
- Counterterrorism Policing said the terrorism investigation covered activity between May 31 and July 8, 2026 and involved a network of detectives, analysts and forensic experts.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the new terrorism charge “extremely concerning” and said it raises serious questions about security for people in public life.
- Separately, UK authorities charged Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi with preparing terrorist acts in an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester, citing contacts with a possible Iran-based third party.
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