Man arrested after 'suspicious' fires at properties linked to Keir Starmer
Prime minister thanks emergency services after fire at his former family home in north London
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Counter-terrorism police are investigating suspected arson attacks on a pair of properties connected to Keir Starmer. A fire broke out early yesterday at his private home in Kentish Town, causing damage to the entrance, but no injuries.
This follows an incident in the early hours of Sunday morning that saw emergency services called to a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, a property that is also linked to the prime minister. Police are looking into a car fire as part of the probe.
A 21-year-old man was arrested this morning on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
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Starmer thanked the emergency services for their work, but his official spokesperson said the case is "subject to a live investigation so I can't comment further". Police said counter-terrorism officers were leading the probe "as a precaution".
The PM's north London home has "been targeted repeatedly by protesters", said The Independent, "including pro-Palestinian activists who have staged demonstrations outside the property".
Although Starmer's home is just four miles from Downing Street, tradition dictates that the prime minister lives at No. 10, which is highly secure. The family home is currently rented out.
Scotland Yard said it was "keeping an open mind" as to whether the three fires were connected. "All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time," it added, "and inquiries remain ongoing."
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Arion McNicoll is a freelance writer at The Week Digital and was previously the UK website’s editor. He has also held senior editorial roles at CNN, The Times and The Sunday Times. Along with his writing work, he co-hosts “Today in History with The Retrospectors”, Rethink Audio’s flagship daily podcast, and is a regular panellist (and occasional stand-in host) on “The Week Unwrapped”. He is also a judge for The Publisher Podcast Awards.
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