Reform UK leader says hundreds of threats have been reported as police investigate chilling social media message.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to kill Nigel Farage after a chilling social media post allegedly warned the Reform UK leader: “I am going to shoot you in the head if you win.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest following an investigation into a threatening communication posted online.
The alleged threat was made on May 8, shortly after Reform UK celebrated major gains in the local and mayoral elections. The suspect is also accused of posting further threats in response to Mr Farage’s messages on social media.
Officers arrested a man on July 14 and questioned him before releasing him on bail while further inquiries continue, including the examination of electronic devices.
The arrest comes as Reform UK demands tougher security measures for politicians following the alleged murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe.
Mr Farage said the police action was a significant change after years of complaints about threats made against him online.
Mr Farage told The Telegraph: “This is the first time the police have ever proactively acted on a social media post and I hope they are looking at the other three or four hundred similar posts from this year alone.
“This has been going on for years, not just words but videos of people firing guns and so on, and in the past we have put multiple reports in to the police, always to be told that these social media posts don’t meet the threshold, which is extraordinary.
He claimed he had received hundreds of similar threats and urged authorities to investigate a wider pattern of online abuse.
“This has been going on for years, not just words but videos of people firing guns and so on,” he said.
The Reform leader argued that previous reports had often failed to reach the threshold for police action.
The investigation comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of politicians after Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon.
Counter-terrorism officers are investigating her death as a possible targeted attack, with detectives examining whether political figures may have been deliberately targeted.
Reform UK has called for increased protection for MPs and former politicians, warning that elected representatives face growing risks.
Mr Farage said the response to threats against politicians must now change.
“If the police decide to act to protect the lives of serving and ex politicians, then at least something good will have come out of Ann’s horrific death,” he said.
The arrest highlights mounting concerns over the safety of public figures as political debate becomes increasingly hostile online.
Security officials have repeatedly warned that social media platforms can be used to spread threats, intimidation and targeted abuse.
For Mr Farage and Reform UK, the incident has intensified calls for stronger protection for politicians — and raised fresh questions over whether existing safeguards are enough in an era of escalating online threats.
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