LONDON – Authorities in Britain have commenced an investigation into a fire that broke out overnight at a London property formerly occupied by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This address was his residence prior to his election to the highest office in the nation.
Since assuming office in July, Starmer has resided in the prime minister’s official residence at Downing Street. As a result, the family home in the Kentish Town area of London has been offered for rent.
The origins of the fire have been deemed suspicious, prompting London’s Metropolitan Police to involve counterterrorism officers in the case.
In the early hours, shortly after 1 a.m., emergency services were alerted to the scene of what was reported as a “small fire,” according to the city’s fire department. Two fire engines were dispatched swiftly, and firefighters managed to extinguish the flames within 30 minutes.
On arriving at the location, police officers recorded damage at the entrance of the property. However, no injuries were reported.
By Monday, a cordon of police tape surrounded the premises, highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Previously, the house has been the focus of protests. Notably, last year, the site witnessed a demonstration by three pro-Palestinian activists, who were subsequently arrested and charged with public order offenses for displaying a banner adorned with red handprints outside the residence.
Dave Pares, the spokesperson for Keir Starmer, expressed the prime minister’s gratitude for the rapidly executed response by emergency services. He remarked that due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, further comments could not be made at this time.