House set alight next door to former UK prime minister David Cameron

Man detained under Mental Health Act after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktail

David Cameron released his autobiography last year. AFP

British police have arrested a man after he burnt down a cottage next door to the home of former prime minister David Cameron.

The 33-year-old, who was detained under the Mental Health Act, is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail into the home in the Cotswolds, southern England late on Monday. The owner is an elderly women who moved out last year.

Mr Cameron, who was not at home at the time of the incident, and his wife Samantha own the nearest property and live there with their three children.

"It's terrible. They've had a fire engine here for the last couple of days. I've heard a man has been arrested but I can't say anything. I was not home on Monday night when it happened, I came down as soon as I heard," Mr Cameron told The Sun.

“There was a woman who lived there but she moved out about a year ago, a lovely old lady. Thankfully, the homeowner is living with relatives but she is very shaken up. It is a huge relief that it was empty and no one was hurt,” he added.

Mr Cameron has life-long protection from police after serving as the UK's prime minister from 2010-2016

After a number of years away from the limelight, he returned last year amid the launch of his autobiography that detailed his time in office as well as the Brexit campaign. It was written in a specially made hut in the garden of his Cotswolds home.