A 21-year-old man has been arrested in London on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire broke out at properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to Reuters on Wednesday (May 14).
The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of a fire in the early hours of Monday (May 12) at Starmer’s former residence in Kentish Town, north London. The blaze affected the private home, two nearby properties, and a car. The suspect is currently in custody and being questioned.
Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, previously lived in the terraced house with his wife and two children before moving to 10 Downing Street after becoming Prime Minister in July.
While attacks on political figures are not uncommon in the UK, the targeting of property associated with the Prime Minister has raised serious security concerns. Authorities are treating the incident with urgency, and a full investigation is underway.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer thanked emergency services for their swift response to the situation.
