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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described alleged arson incidents near two houses linked to him as ‘an attack on democracy’.
Emergency services were called to the scene of one fire, which took place at a property in Islington where the PM previously lived 20 years ago, on Sunday.
They were then called to the second fire at a house in Kentish Town, which is understood to still be owned by Starmer, at 1.35am on Monday morning.
No one was hurt in either of the blazes.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.
In an update on Wednesday afternoon, the Met Police said a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, meaning the man can be detained for an additional 36 hours.
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Ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons this afternoon, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was ‘horrified’ to hear about the incident.
She said: ‘It is completely unacceptable, and I think I speak for the whole House when I say that this wasn’t just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy.
Sir Keir replied: ‘Can I thank her for her words about the attacks on me and my family and the kind messages from many others in the last few days?
‘She did actually message me pretty well straight away, and I really do appreciate that.
‘She’s absolutely right that this is an attack on all of us and democracy and the values that we all stand for.’
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, said the investigation into the incidents is ongoing.
He said: ‘A key line of enquiry is whether the fires are linked due to the two premises and the vehicle all having previous links to the same high-profile public figure.
‘We recognise that this investigation may cause concern to other public figures – particularly MPs.
‘The protection of MPs is something we take extremely seriously across the whole of policing and I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.’
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