A 21-year-old Ukrainian man has been remanded in custody after being charged in connection with a series of arson attacks targeting properties and a vehicle linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing three counts of arson with intent to endanger life following a spate of incidents in north London.
The court heard that fires were set on three separate occasions in early May — each linked to properties or vehicles associated with the Prime Minister.
Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska outlined the charges, stating: “The defendant is charged with three offences of aggravated arson – on the 8th of May in relation to a car parked on a residential street in Kentish Town, on the 11th of May in relation to a residential property in Islington, and on the 12th of May in relation to a residential property on the same street in Kentish Town as where the car was parked.”
“The car and both properties were linked to the Prime Minister Keir Starmer,” she confirmed, although the motive behind the alleged attacks remains unclear.
Lavrynovych, who was assisted in court by an interpreter, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and home address. He did not enter a plea.
According to prosecutors, he was arrested at a property in Sydenham, south-east London, during the early hours of Tuesday, before being charged on Thursday. He was questioned under caution and reportedly denied any involvement in the arson attacks.
Due to the high-profile nature of the targets, the investigation has been led by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. A spokesperson for the Met Police stated: “Given the connection to a prominent public figure, this investigation was taken on by the Counter Terror Command to establish whether there was any wider threat or political motivation behind these incidents.”
The first attack took place on 8 May, when a car linked to Sir Keir was set ablaze in Kentish Town. In the early hours of 11 May, a fire broke out at a residential property in Islington. Just a day later, on 12 May, emergency services were again called to another fire on the same Kentish Town street where the car had been torched.
One of the targeted properties is believed to be the former home of Sir Keir Starmer, which he vacated upon moving into 10 Downing Street after becoming Prime Minister.
At approximately 1:35am on 12 May, London Fire Brigade responded to reports of a blaze at the front door of the Kentish Town residence. Firefighters quickly brought the situation under control, and no injuries were reported. However, minor damage was caused to the entrance of the property.
In a separate incident, a fire was started at the front door of a converted flat in Islington on 11 May. One person had to be led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, although they were not harmed.
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The court heard that while no injuries occurred during any of the incidents, the risk to life was significant, which is why the charges include intent to endanger life.
Ms Przybylska told the court: “At this stage, the alleged offending is unexplained.”
District Judge Nina Tempia remanded Lavrynovych in custody, and he is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
The Prime Minister’s office declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings but confirmed that Sir Keir and his family are being kept informed of developments.
Security arrangements around senior politicians have been under review in recent months amid concerns about rising political tensions and threats against public officials.
