Police have been given an additional 36 hours to question a 21-year-old man arrested in connection with suspected arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The man was detained early on Tuesday at an address in Sydenham, south London, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He can now be held until Friday morning.
The incidents involve Starmer's family home in Kentish Town, north-west London, which he now rents out, a flat he formerly owned, and a car he previously owned. Detectives are investigating whether the three cases are connected. No injuries were reported, but damage was caused to the entrance of the Kentish Town property.
Starmer, who resides with his family at the official Downing Street residence, is understood to be renting the four-bedroom house to his sister-in-law and her family. The prime minister addressed the attacks during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her horror at the incidents, stating: 'It is completely unacceptable, and I think I speak for the whole house when I say that it was an attack not just on him, but on all of us and on our democracy.' Starmer thanked her for her words and noted that she had messaged him personally when the news emerged. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also offered his sympathies.
