Man Held Over Suspected Arson at Homes Linked to UK PM Starmer

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a string of fires at properties reportedly connected to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The man was detained early Tuesday, a day after firefighters responded to a blaze at Starmer’s private residence in North London. Although Starmer currently lives at the official prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, the North London property is known to have links to him.

Police also confirmed two earlier incidents in the same area. On Sunday, a fire broke out at the front door of a nearby apartment building linked to Starmer, leading to the evacuation and treatment of one individual for smoke inhalation. Days earlier, on Thursday night, a car fire was reported on the same street.

All three incidents are being treated as suspicious, and authorities believe they may be connected. Due to the potential targeting of a high-profile political figure, the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command has taken over the investigation.

“Enquiries remain ongoing,” police said in a statement, noting the precautionary measures being taken given the property’s ties to a prominent public official.

Prime Minister Starmer, speaking on Monday, expressed gratitude to emergency services but declined to say who was present at the time of the fire at his residence. No serious injuries have been reported in connection to the incidents.