Counter-Terrorism Police Investigate Suspicious Fires at Labour Leader's Properties

Emergency services responded to multiple fires linked to Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader's private residence in Kentish Town, north London, and a converted house in nearby Islington. Counter-terrorism police are treating the incidents as suspicious and have launched an investigation. The prime minister's office has confirmed that Boris Johnson still owns the Kentish Town property but has rented it out since the general election. Starmer's official spokesman has declined to comment further on the incident, stating that the matter is "subject to a live investigation."

Key Takeaways:

• The Metropolitan Police reported damage to the property's entrance at Sir Keir Starmer's private residence in Kentish Town, but confirmed no injuries.
• A fire broke out at a converted house in Islington, linked to Mr. Starmer, with one person assisted to safety by London Fire Brigade crews wearing breathing apparatus.
• A car fire is also being investigated as part of the ongoing probe, with all three incidents being treated as suspicious.
• Counter-terrorism police are leading the probe "as a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure."
• The property in Kentish Town has previously been targeted by protesters, and last year, three people were found guilty of public order offences after staging a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside it.
• The prime minister, Boris Johnson, still owns the Kentish Town property, but it has been rented out since the general election.
• Starmer's official spokesman has declined to comment further on the incident, citing that the matter is "subject to a live investigation."

Statistics:

• 1:35am: Police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a residential address in Kentish Town.
• 1:11am: The London Fire Brigade was called to a small fire outside a property in Kentish Town.
• 1:33am: The fire was brought under control by London Fire Brigade crews.
• 3am: Firefighters were called to a small car fire on the same street as the Kentish Town property.
• 3am: Firefighters were also called to the Islington fire.
• 30 minutes: The car fire in Kentish Town was brought under control by firefighters.
• 3 people: Were found guilty of public order offences after staging a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside Mr. Starmer's Kentish Town residence last year.

Sources:

• "Counter-terrorism police investigating suspected arson attacks on two properties associated with Sir Keir Starmer" - BBC (no date mentioned in original)
• "Metropolitan Police spokesman" - quoted in BBC (no date mentioned in original)
• "London Fire Brigade spokesperson" - quoted in BBC (no date mentioned in original)