LONDON — British authorities arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson after a fire damaged the private residence of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prompting a counter-terrorism investigation into whether the incident was part of a broader threat targeting the UK’s political leadership.
Police were called to the Kentish Town home—located in the North London constituency Starmer represents in Parliament—around 12:30 a.m. on Monday following reports of a fire. Although no injuries were reported, officials confirmed that the entrance of the property sustained significant damage.
The incident triggered heightened concern due to Starmer’s status as a high-profile political figure. He had lived at the terraced house with his wife and two children before moving into 10 Downing Street after becoming prime minister in July 2024.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers from its Counter Terrorism Command are leading the inquiry “due to the nature of the location and the individual connected to it.” Authorities said the man was taken into custody in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains detained as the investigation continues.
Detectives are also probing two related incidents—a fire at the entrance of another residential property in nearby Islington on Sunday, and a vehicle fire in Kentish Town last Thursday. A report by the BBC suggests the Islington property may also have links to Starmer.
Police have not publicly identified the suspect, and no motive has yet been disclosed. Investigators are working to determine whether the three incidents form part of a coordinated campaign targeting the prime minister or individuals connected to him.
The attack has raised new questions about the security of senior political leaders in the UK, especially following a recent string of threats and violent acts directed at high-profile figures. While police have not formally classified the Kentish Town fire as politically motivated, the involvement of counter-terror officers underscores the seriousness of the case.
Starmer’s spokesperson issued a brief statement on Monday expressing gratitude to emergency services for their rapid response. No further comment has been made from the prime minister’s office, and Starmer has not yet publicly addressed the incident.
Security measures around the prime minister and his family are expected to be reviewed in light of the investigation.
Authorities continue to appeal for information related to all three fires. They are reviewing surveillance footage, conducting forensic analysis, and interviewing witnesses to determine whether the attacks were premeditated and whether additional suspects may be involved.
The case has also drawn attention to the safety of political figures outside of official government residences. Starmer’s Kentish Town home, although no longer his primary residence, remains a known address in the public domain.
As police work to establish a definitive link between the fires, the investigation remains active, with further updates expected in the coming days.
