A car erupted in flames just yards from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s north London home—only days before a separate fire was reported at his private residence. Police are now probing whether the incidents are linked, as counter-terrorism officers lead an investigation into a series of suspected arson attacks.
The car fire occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning (9 May) on a quiet residential street near the PM’s property. Dramatic footage captured flames and thick smoke billowing from the vehicle, as London Fire Brigade crews battled to bring the blaze under control.
Witnesses described hearing a “loud bang” before seeing a car engulfed in flames. Retired dinner lady Linda Perry, 80, who has lived on the street for over 30 years, said: “It was a bit of a shock, I suppose… that would have been the frightening bit, if it spread.”
Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, told reporters she initially mistook the sound for heavy rain before seeing an eerie red glow through her curtains. “It was a bit concerning… the risk of an explosion,” she said.
The London Fire Brigade said the blaze was under control by 1:30am after receiving a call at 1:11am.
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Man Arrested After Fires at Two Properties Linked to the Prime Minister
The car fire is now being investigated as part of a broader case involving suspected arson attacks on properties connected to Sir Keir Starmer.
On Monday, police arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest is connected to fires at two properties as well as the earlier car blaze. The suspect remains in custody.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister thanks the emergency services for their work. The incident is subject to a live investigation and we won’t be commenting further.”
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Counter-Terrorism Command Leading Enquiry Amid Rising Public Concern
Due to the high-profile nature of the targets, Scotland Yard’s Counter-Terrorism Command has taken charge of the investigation. Officers are working to determine whether the three incidents are linked and whether the Prime Minister was deliberately targeted.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed she had been briefed on the incidents. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: “I have been briefed about these incidents… we really do have excellent police teams in this country who work on these investigations, and we will support them in that work.”
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Residents Raise Fears of Targeted Acts
Local residents have described the series of events as “mad” and “scary”. Dan Nicholson, 36, who witnessed the car fire on 9 May, said: “It feels like it might be related to the incident this morning. It seems too much of a coincidence.”
Another neighbour described forensic teams combing the area for evidence throughout the day: “There’s been lots of forensics outside all day. It seems like they’re taking it very seriously.”
While no injuries have been reported, the sequence of incidents has raised serious concerns over the safety of public figures and their families.
