LONDON (AP) - British police are currently investigating a suspicious overnight fire that occurred at the London house formerly occupied by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer, who has been in office since July, has been living at the official prime ministerial residence on Downing Street and renting out his family home in the Kentish Town area of London.
The fire broke out shortly after 1 a.m., prompting a swift response from the city's fire department, which dispatched two engines to the scene. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze within approximately half an hour. Upon arrival, police officers noted damage to the property’s entrance, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident.
The cause of the fire is currently being treated as suspicious, which has led to the involvement of counterterrorism officers from London’s Metropolitan Police in the investigation. A police cordon was erected outside the property on Monday, restricting access while investigative efforts are underway.
Keir Starmer's residence has previously drawn the attention of activists. Notably, in the prior year, three pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested and charged with public order offenses after they displayed a large banner adorned with red handprints outside the property. Such protests illustrate Starmer's contentious position as a public figure and the scrutiny his home has faced.
Dave Pares, a spokesman for Starmer, expressed gratitude toward the emergency services for their prompt response to the fire. He refrained from providing additional remarks regarding the ongoing investigation, highlighting that details remain limited due to the nature of the inquiry.
As the investigation into the fire continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The involvement of counterterrorism officers suggests that the incident may be taken more seriously by law enforcement, reflecting the heightened security awareness in London.
This incident adds a layer of complexity to Starmer's role as Prime Minister, particularly as he navigates the political landscape from his official residence at Downing Street. The changing dynamics around his personal residence in Kentish Town serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in current times.
