Arrest following fires at properties linked to PM
Counter-terror police are investigating.
Last updated 13th May 2025
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after two properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were damaged in London.
Counter-terror police are investigating.
Emergency services were called to blazes at the doors of two homes in north London within 24 hours of each other.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it is investigating whether the fires were linked and said counter-terror police are involved.
Scotland Yard is also looking into a vehicle fire as part of the probe.
On Monday, a police cordon and officers, as well as investigators from London Fire Brigade (LFB), could be seen outside a Kentish Town property, where the Prime Minister used to live.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "I can only say that the Prime Minister thanks the emergency services for their work and it is subject to a live investigation. So I can't comment any further."
Sir Keir is understood to still own the home, but lives at the Prime Minister's official residence in Downing Street.
Police were alerted by the LFB to reports of a fire at the residential address at 1.35am.
Damage was caused to the property's entrance, but nobody was hurt.
At just before 3am on Thursday, firefighters were called to a small car fire on the same street.
Two fire engines from Kentish Town fire station were in attendance and the blaze was under control by 3.30am.
At just after 3am on Sunday, LFB was called to a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in nearby Islington, which is also linked to Sir Keir.
One person was assisted to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus, LFB said.
The fire was under control by 4am.
A Met spokesperson said: "At this early stage of the investigation, officers are working to establish the circumstances of all three fires and are keeping an open mind as to whether there is any connection.
"All are being treated as suspicious at this time, and inquiries remain ongoing."