A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following two separate fire incidents at properties connected to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in north London.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect was taken into custody in the early hours of Tuesday and remains under investigation.
Emergency services responded to two blazes at residential properties within a 24-hour span—one just after 1:30 a.m. on Monday and the other on Sunday. Both incidents involved fires set at the front doors of homes in north London. The attacks occurred shortly before Sir Keir delivered a high-profile press conference announcing stricter immigration policies.
Due to the properties’ connection to a prominent public figure, Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation. Police are also examining whether a separate vehicle fire on May 8 is linked to the arson cases.
On Monday, a heavy police presence, including investigators from the London Fire Brigade, was seen outside a Kentish Town residence formerly occupied by the prime minister. While Sir Keir no longer lives at the address, he is understood to still own the property.
A spokesperson for the Met Police stated: “As a precaution and due to the property’s past connection with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation. All three fires are currently being treated as suspicious, and enquiries are ongoing.”
The prime minister’s official spokesperson added, “The prime minister thanks the emergency services for their swift response. As the matter is under active investigation, we cannot comment further.”
Residents reported hearing a loud bang around the time of Monday’s fire. One local, Charles Grant, 66, said: “Police searched my garden and told me they were looking for a projectile. From what I’ve heard, someone may have thrown a firebomb at Keir Starmer’s house.”
While the property sustained damage to its entrance, no injuries were reported.
