London: British police have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson following a series of fires under investigation by counter-terrorism officers, including one at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s private residence in north London.
Authorities were called to the property in Kentish Town, which Starmer represents in Parliament, after a fire was reported in the early hours of Monday. While no injuries were reported, police confirmed that the entrance to the residence sustained damage.
In a statement, police said the suspect was taken into custody in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The arrest is connected to the Kentish Town fire as well as two other incidents—one involving a fire at the entrance of a property in nearby Islington on Sunday, and another involving a vehicle fire in Kentish Town last Thursday.
According to a BBC report, the Islington property is also linked to the prime minister.
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Starmer previously lived at the terraced house in Kentish Town with his wife and two children before moving into 10 Downing Street after assuming office in July last year.
Due to the victim’s status as a high-profile public figure, officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation.
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A spokesperson for Prime Minister Starmer expressed gratitude to the emergency services, stating: “We thank the emergency services for their work on Monday.”
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue into the potential links between the incidents.
