A small fire at the entrance of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's private residence in North London triggered the British Police counterterrorism division early Monday morning, which announced the arrest of a 21-year-old man as a suspect on Tuesday, as reported by Reuters.
The suspect, a 21-year-old man whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested early this morning and is being held at a police station in the capital for questioning by the authorities.
On Monday, a small fire was reported at the entrance of Starmer's house in the Kentish Town neighborhood in North London, although the Prime Minister lives at the official residence of Downing Street and reportedly rents his London home.
At this time, the incident is not linked to a terrorist act, although the Met's counterterrorism unit is investigating it as the property belongs to the Prime Minister. Additionally, two other arson incidents are being investigated by the police.
According to the statement released by the Met on Tuesday, officers responded to the Kentish Town residence on Monday, which sustained damage but no injuries were reported.
"As a precaution, and due to the property's previous association with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause," the statement specifies.
"The investigative team is also looking into two other incidents: a vehicle fire in NW5 (North London area) on Thursday, May 8, and a property entrance fire in N7 (also in North London) on Sunday, May 11, to see if they could be related to the fire in NW5 (where Starmer's house is located) on May 12," it adds.
All three fires are considered suspicious, and investigations are ongoing, concludes the statement.