Two suspected arson attacks on homes linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer are being treated as a potential threat to democracy, police have confirmed.
The first fire took place at a property in Islington on Sunday — a house where Starmer lived around 20 years ago. The second incident occurred just after 1:30am on Monday at a property in Kentish Town, understood to still be owned by the Prime Minister.
No injuries were reported in either case, but both fires are under investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Burning car caught on camera
Video footage taken by a neighbour shows a car engulfed in flames on the same north London street as Starmer’s Kentish Town property. The footage, filmed by 80-year-old Linda Perry, shows London Fire Brigade crews working to bring the blaze under control, directing hoses at the vehicle’s bonnet as flames shot into the air.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
‘An attack on all of us’
In the House of Commons, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch spoke out in support of Starmer, calling the incidents “completely unacceptable”.
“This wasn’t just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy,” she told MPs.
Starmer responded with thanks, saying: “She’s absolutely right — this is an attack on all of us and democracy and the values that we all stand for.”
He also thanked Badenoch and others for their personal messages of support in the wake of the incidents.
Police treating case with ‘utmost seriousness’
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, confirmed that police are exploring a potential link between the fires and Starmer’s public profile.
“A key line of enquiry is whether the fires are linked due to the two premises and the vehicle all having previous links to the same high-profile public figure,” he said.
He added that while the investigation continues, all MPs should feel safe in their roles and are encouraged to contact their Operation Bridger officer for support.
The case remains ongoing.
