CliffNotes
- Investigation begins after suspected arson attacks on PM’s homes
- A car – on the same street as one of the properties – was also set on fire
- All three fires are being treated as suspicious
Investigation begins after suspected arson attacks on PM’s homes
What Happened
Counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation after two residential properties associated with PM Keir Starmer were damaged in suspected arson attacks.
In the early hours of Monday morning, emergency services were called to a fire at Sir Keir’s private residence in Kentish Town, north London. According to the Met Police, the blaze caused damage to the entrance of the property, although no injuries were reported.
Just after 03:00 BST on Sunday, emergency crews were also called to a separate fire at the front door of a converted flat in Islington, another property linked to Sir Keir. One individual was safely escorted from the building via an internal staircase by fire crews wearing breathing apparatus.
Police have also confirmed they are investigating a third fire, involving a vehicle on the same street as the Kentish Town property.
All three incidents are being treated as suspicious, and investigations are ongoing.
The Kentish Town home, which Sir Keir reportedly still owns and now rents out, was previously his private residence before he moved to Downing Street following the 2024 general election. It had been the site of a pro-Palestinian protest last year, during which three individuals were convicted of public order offences.
What Next
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation “as a precaution”, due to the property’s connection with a high-profile public figure.
Sir Keir has expressed his gratitude to the emergency services, according to an official spokesperson, but has not commented further on the identity of the occupants present during the incidents.
On Monday afternoon, police investigators remained at the Kentish Town address, with cordons still in place. Local residents were seen being escorted through the tape as they returned from work.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incidents are linked, but have urged the public to come forward with any relevant information. The motive behind the fires remains unclear.
Media Reaction
The Standard says police have arrested a 21-year-old male over the attacks at the prime minister’s £2 million north London home and another property linked to the PM.
The Independent says counter-terror police have launched an urgent probe after two properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer were damaged in suspected arson attacks.
Wales Online says it’s understood that the prime minister still owns the Kentish Town property which he lived at before the general election, but it has been rented out since then.
Scotland Yard’s SO15 counter-terrorism command has now launched an investigation, with sources telling MailOnline it was routine given the high-profile nature of the owner.