Man Arrested After Fires at Homes Linked to PM Keir Starmer

• May 13, 2025

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a series of fires at homes connected to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in north London.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest in the early hours of Tuesday, following several suspicious fires at properties linked to the prime minister. Counter-terrorism officers are now leading the investigation as a precaution, due to the properties’ connections to a high-profile public figure.

The first fire occurred just before 3:00 a.m. BST on Thursday, when firefighters responded to a small car fire on the same street as Starmer's private residence in Kentish Town. The following incident took place around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday at a house in Islington, which had been converted into flats and is also linked to the prime minister. Fire crews assisted one person to safety from the building via an internal staircase while wearing breathing apparatus.

The most recent incident happened early Monday morning, just after 1:00 a.m., at Starmer's Kentish Town home. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported a “small fire” at the property’s entrance, which was brought under control within 20 minutes. While there was some damage to the entrance, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said, "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."

Prime Minister Starmer has publicly thanked emergency services for their swift response but declined to give further details, noting the matter is under active investigation. His official spokesman said, “It’s subject to a live investigation so I can’t comment further.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also addressed the incidents, stating she had been briefed but could not provide more information. “Police are investigating these incidents and they have my full support in doing so,” she told the BBC. Cooper emphasized the importance of allowing the police to carry out their work while reassuring the public of their dedication.

Investigations are ongoing to determine if the fires are connected.