British police have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at a property linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday in the Kentish Town area of Camden, north London, has prompted a wider investigation led by counter-terrorism officers.
Authorities were called to the scene following reports of a blaze at the residence, which Starmer and his family lived in prior to his move to Number 10 Downing Street last July. The property is located in the parliamentary constituency Starmer represents.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the suspect was detained in the early hours of Tuesday and remains in custody. He is being questioned in connection with the fire at Starmer’s former home and two other incidents: a vehicle fire on 8 May in the same district, and a separate fire at the entrance of a nearby property on 11 May.
Due to the involvement of a high-profile public figure, the case is being handled by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, although investigators have not yet confirmed whether the attacks were politically motivated.
No injuries were reported in any of the three incidents. However, police say the suspect is being held on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life — a serious offence that reflects the potentially dangerous nature of the attacks.
Investigators are continuing to explore links between the fires and have appealed for information from the public as the inquiry progresses.
Melissa Enoch
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