London: A man in his 20s has been arrested over an alleged social media threat to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the Metropolitan Police said.
The arrest relates to a post made on social media platform X that was reported to police on May 8, a day after the local and mayoral elections in the United Kingdom.
The suspect was arrested in south London on Tuesday on suspicion of sending threatening communications to a Member of Parliament. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Arrest linked to social media post
According to the Metropolitan Police, the investigation centres on an alleged threatening message posted on X.
Police said the matter was reported shortly after the elections in May, leading to an investigation by officers.
The Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team informed Nigel Farage about the arrest on Wednesday.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the content of the alleged threat or the identity of the suspect as enquiries continue.
Farage calls for action on similar threats
Responding to the arrest, Farage said it was the first time police had proactively acted on a social media post directed at him.
He added that he hoped authorities would also investigate the hundreds of other threatening messages he claimed to have received over the past year.
Farage has previously spoken about the abuse and threats faced by public representatives on social media platforms.
Incident comes after Reform spokesperson’s death
The arrest comes less than a week after the death of Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, who was killed at her home in Devon.
Counter Terrorism Policing is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. However, police have not indicated any connection between that investigation and the arrest over the alleged online threat against Farage.
Reform calls for enhanced MP security
Earlier on Wednesday, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson said that if the party formed the government, it would introduce round-the-clock security protection for all Members of Parliament.
The proposal follows growing concerns over the safety of elected representatives amid increasing incidents of online abuse, threats and attacks targeting politicians across the UK.
Police said investigations into the alleged threatening communication remain ongoing, and the suspect will remain on bail while further enquiries are carried out.