UK counter-terrorism police probe fire at prime minister’s North London home

LONDON

British counter-terrorism police are assisting in an investigation following a fire at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s North London home during the early hours of Monday.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the fire caused damage to the entrance of the Kentish Town home but no one was injured.

Officers and emergency crews responded to the incident and a cordon remains in place as inquiries continue.

The London Fire Brigade said it had been called to a “small fire at 1.11 am local time (0011GMT) which was under control about 20 minutes later. Two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.”

Around 10 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze.

Starmer, who currently resides at his official Downing Street residence, is understood to still own the North London property, which has been rented out.

His official spokesman said the prime minister has “thanked the emergency services for their work” but declined to offer more details.

“The matter was subject to a live investigation, so I can’t comment further,” he said, while declining to comment on whether any of Starmer’s family members were present at the time of the incident.

“The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue,” police confirmed.

Investigators from both the fire service and the police were seen at the property. A portion of the surrounding street was temporarily closed to vehicles.

The property has been targeted previously. Last year, three individuals were found guilty of public order offences following a pro-Palestinian protest staged outside the same house.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the current investigation is treating the fire as suspicious, but the involvement of counter-terrorism officers suggests a serious line of inquiry.

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