Man with gun arrested outside Blair’s house

A SUSPECTED Albanian gangster carrying a loaded pistol and silencer was arrested outside the home of former prime minister Tony Blair.

The man, 56, was stopped in his car as he drove in Connaught Street, London, on Monday at 11.15pm.

Officers on patrol became suspicious and arrested him for several traffic and documentation offences.

About 25 minutes later, a passer-by approached a uniformed officer on guard outside Blair’s Connaught Square townhouse.

He handed the officer a black pistol, loaded with several bullets and fitted with a silencer, saying he found it in the gutter.

The officer raised the alarm and notified members of the Diplomatic Protection Group, who are responsible for Blair’s safety.

Investigators quickly linked the discovery of the gun with the arrest of the Albanian and he was re-arrested on suspicion of holding a prohibited weapon.

Forensic tests including fingerprinting and DNA analysis are under way.

It is understood there was no threat to Blair’s safety and the location of the arrest is believed to be entirely co-incidental.

Kutjim Nurka, 56, was charged with possession of a firearm after being arrested.

Nurka, of Danes Court, Wembley, north London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday. He was remanded in custody to appear on February 12 next year.