Counter-terrorism police investigate fire at Starmer's house

Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation into a "suspicious" fire at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's house in north London in the early hours of Monday.

There was damage to the property's entrance but nobody was hurt, the Metropolitan Police said. A cordon is in place outside the house in Kentish Town.

The prime minister - who resides at his official residence in Downing Street - is understood to still own the property which has been rented out.

Police said counter-terrorism officers were leading the probe "as a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure".

They added: "The cause of the fire continues to be investigated but at this stage is being treated as suspicious."

Sir Keir has thanked the emergency services for their work, his official spokesman said.

He added the matter was "subject to a live investigation so I can't comment further", and declined to provide any further details when asked whether any members of Sir Keir's family were in the house when the fire started.

The London Fire Brigade said it had been called to a "small fire" at 01:11 BST which was under control about 20 minutes later.

It said about 10 firefighters and two fire engines from Kentish Town Fire Station attended the scene.

The police said they were alerted by the fire brigade at 01:35: BST.

"Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property's entrance, nobody was hurt.

"The fire is being investigated and cordons remain in place while enquiries continue."

On Monday afternoon, investigators could still be seen outside the property with local residents being allowed through the tape as they returned home from work.

The house has previously been targeted by protesters. Last year, three people were found guilty of public order offences after staging a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside it.