Suspected arson attacks on PM’s property spark counter-terror probe and nationwide outrage

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a series of suspected arson attacks targeting property linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The arrest, made in the early hours of Monday, has triggered a counter-terrorism investigation, according to Scotland Yard.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that three separate fire-related incidents are under active investigation, with the latest occurring at 1.35am on Monday. Emergency services were called to a residential property in Kentish Town, north-west London, after the London Fire Brigade reported a blaze. Flames damaged the entrance of the property, but no injuries were reported.

Although the prime minister currently resides with his family at 10 Downing Street, it is understood that the Kentish Town home — a four-bedroom house — is owned by Starmer and is currently let out to tenants.

Due to the property’s direct link to the prime minister, the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command has taken the lead in the investigation. Officers are now working to determine the cause of the fire and whether it forms part of a coordinated attack.

Police are also examining two earlier incidents. The first occurred last Thursday, when a vehicle was found ablaze on the same Kentish Town street. The second involved a fire at the entrance of another property in north London on Sunday. Investigators are looking into possible connections between these events and Monday’s fire.

In a brief public statement, Starmer thanked the emergency services for their swift response. His official spokesperson declined to comment further, citing the live investigation, and refused to confirm whether anyone was inside the house when the fire broke out.

The incident has prompted concern at the highest levels of government. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had been briefed on the situation but maintained silence on operational details. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Cooper said: “You are right that the police are investigating these incidents, and they have my full support in doing so. I obviously cannot comment in any detail on the investigations that are ongoing.”

Condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, called the suspected arson attacks “shocking.” In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote: “My thoughts are with the prime minister and his family. No one should face these sorts of threats, let alone people in public service. It’s an attack on our democracy and must never be tolerated.”

The Metropolitan Police emphasised that inquiries remain ongoing. The arrested man is currently in custody, and further details have not yet been released.

This spate of suspected arson has shaken the political establishment, raising fears about the safety of public officials and the possibility of politically motivated violence. Though the motive remains unconfirmed, the involvement of counter-terrorism officers underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation.

As investigators continue to piece together the timeline and connections between the fires, pressure mounts for reassurances over the security of political figures and their families, even at private properties.

The coming days are likely to bring more clarity — but for now, the flames that scorched a front door in Kentish Town have ignited far deeper concerns across Westminster.