.svg)
A 21-year-old man has been taken into custody on suspicion of committing arson with the intent to endanger life, following fires at two properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in north London.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the suspect was arrested early Tuesday morning and is currently being held for questioning.
The fires occurred within a day of each other—one just after 1:30 a.m. on Monday and the other on Sunday—both affecting properties with connections to the prime minister. Due to the high-profile nature of the victim, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is now leading the investigation.
Authorities are also investigating a vehicle fire that took place on May 8 on the same street as one of the affected properties in Kentish Town.
On Monday, police and London Fire Brigade investigators were seen outside the Kentish Town residence, a property formerly occupied by Starmer and still reportedly owned by him, although he now resides at 10 Downing Street.
A police spokesperson explained that counter-terrorism officers were leading the inquiry due to the property’s association with a prominent political figure. All three fires are currently being treated as suspicious, and investigations continue to determine the causes.
A spokesperson for the prime minister expressed gratitude to the emergency services but declined to comment further, citing the active investigation.
The London Fire Brigade alerted police to Monday’s fire at 1:35 a.m. Neighbours reported hearing a loud noise and noted that officers were searching for a thrown object. One neighbour, Charles Grant, 66, said police had searched his garden looking for a projectile, suspected to be a firebomb.
While the fire caused damage to the property's entrance, no injuries were reported.
The earlier fire on Sunday occurred at a converted house in Islington, also believed to be linked to Starmer. Fire crews assisted one individual to safety using internal stairs and breathing equipment.
The third incident, a car fire, happened in the early hours of May 8 on the same street as the Kentish Town house.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had been briefed on the incidents and voiced her support for the police investigation. She emphasized the professionalism of the UK’s emergency services while refraining from commenting further.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick also condemned the attacks, stressing the importance of safeguarding those in public office. He stated that while political debate can be passionate, it should never lead to violence or threats against individuals.
