A string of suspicious fires in North London has thrust Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s family into a chilling counter-terror investigation.
On May 8, a Toyota Rav 4, once owned by Starmer but sold to a neighbor, was torched just yards from his £2 million townhouse. The blaze, which turned the night sky orange, left the vehicle a charred wreck, an incident that formed the early basis of the ongoing terror probe, as The Sun reports.
Three days later, on May 11, first responders tackled a small fire at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, also linked to Starmer. The following night, another fire erupted at Starmer’s townhouse, currently rented to his sister-in-law and her family. Counter-terror police are probing these incidents, suspecting they may be connected.
The fires, including two at properties tied to Starmer, are believed to stem from a personal grudge against the prime minister, though the motive remains unclear. A 21-year-old man was arrested early on May 13, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. Police are treating all three incidents as suspicious, with inquiries ongoing.
The car fire on May 8 startled residents, with neighbor Dan Nicholson, 36, describing a “loud noise” and a “dramatic” scene as flames engulfed the Toyota. He called the police, and firefighters quickly arrived. Nicholson noted the incident felt eerily similar to later fires, raising fears of a targeted campaign.
The Toyota, previously driven by Starmer, had a known history, including a 2020 collision with a Deliveroo driver in Camden. By May 2025, it belonged to a neighbor, yet its proximity to Starmer’s home fueled speculation of a deliberate attack. Linda Perry, a retired dinner lady, recalled the “frightening” blaze, worried other cars might ignite. Shaken, said she heard screams of “fire” around 3 a.m. and was stunned by the bright flames.
On May 11, the fire at the Islington property, notably linked to Starmer, damaged the front door of a converted house. Authorities suspect an accelerant was used, a tactic repeated in the subsequent townhouse fire. The Islington blaze was small but again raised alarms due to its connection to the prime minister.
The most brazen attack came on May 12 at Starmer’s four-bedroom Tufnell Park townhouse, rented out since he moved to 10 Downing Street. A “loud bang” woke residents, with an anonymous neighbor describing the sound as “glass shattering.” The fire singed the doorway but was swiftly controlled.
Firefighters were called at 1:11 a.m., followed by police at 1:35 a.m., who cordoned off the area as a “crime scene.” No injuries were reported, but the London Fire Brigade confirmed damage to the townhouse’s front. Neighbors reported police searching gardens for a possible “projectile” after the blaze.
Counter-terror police are investigating due to Starmer’s status, though they stress it’s a procedural step. A Met Police spokesperson said officers are examining whether the May 8 vehicle fire, the May 11 Islington fire, and the May 12 townhouse fire are linked. All are deemed suspicious, with no clear motive yet established.
The rental of the Tufnell Park property to Starmer’s sister-in-law is declared in the ministerial register, but its income falls below the £10,000 threshold for the MPs’ register. This detail, while minor, underscores Starmer’s ties to the targeted properties. The investigation remains focused on the arsonist’s intent.
The arrested 21-year-old remains in custody, with police probing his potential grudge against Starmer. Anonymous residents, like a 58-year-old tech worker, described waking to “flashing lights” and “sirens” on May 12, with forensics teams scouring the scene. The heavy police presence signaled the gravity of the situation.
Charles Grant, 66, a resident, expressed unease at the escalating incidents, noting police activity had disrupted the neighborhood. The fires, particularly those targeting Starmer-linked properties, have left residents on edge. Many fear the arsonist’s motives may extend beyond a personal vendetta.
The use of accelerants in house fires points to premeditation, heightening concerns about public safety. Both the Islington and Tufnell Park properties saw their front doors doused before being set alight, a chilling hallmark of the attacks. Police are urging calm while pursuing leads.
For working-class families in North London, these incidents underscore a broader unease about security and unchecked crime. The seeming targeting of a prime minister’s properties, even those that are currently rented out, raises questions about vulnerability in an era of rising tensions. As investigations continue, the community braces for answers.
