Authorities have taken a 21-year-old man into custody for suspected arson attacks on two properties associated with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in addition to a car. Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man was arrested for arson with intent to endanger life and is currently being held. The incidents occurred at the prime minister’s private residence in Kentish Town early Monday morning and a small fire at a converted house in Islington on Sunday.
Moreover, officials are examining a small car fire that happened on the same street as the Kentish Town property on Thursday as part of their investigation. The Counter Terrorism Command of the Metropolitan Police is spearheading the inquiry, treating the fires as suspicious due to the property’s previous connections with a high-profile public figure. The Police stated, “As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire.”
In Kentish Town, the car fire took place just before 03:00 BST on Thursday as residents described the dramatic scene. Linda Perry, an 80-year-old resident on the same street, reported being awoken by the flames and shouts of “fire, fire.” Additionally, a neighbouring resident mentioned the unusual nature of the incident in a usually quiet area. The police presence was reported in Islington after the first fire at the property on Sunday, raising concerns amongst neighbours.
The second fire occurred in Kentish Town around 01:11 on Monday, causing minor damage to the property’s entrance but no injuries. Sir Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, is the confirmed owner of the property, although it has been rented out since he moved to Downing Street post the 2024 general election. On Monday, Sir Keir expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response to the incidents, refraining from further comment pending the ongoing investigation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper extended her support to the police investigation, emphasizing the importance of allowing authorities to conduct their inquiries diligently
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