A 21-year-old Ukrainian man, Roman Lavrynovych, faces three arson charges related to fires at properties associated with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Arrested on Tuesday, he has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life by the Metropolitan Police.
The incidents in question occurred over the past week, beginning with a car fire last Thursday, followed by a blaze on Monday at Starmer’s private residence that damaged its door, and a fire on Sunday outside a north London apartment building linked to him. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from any of these fires.
Lavrynovych is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Following his arrest, he remains in custody under warrants for additional detention. Since taking office in July, Starmer has been residing with his family at the official Downing Street premises.
Given the potential implications involving a government official, counter-terrorism detectives have taken the lead in the investigation, with charges approved by the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division.
Starmer has remarked that these arson attacks represent an assault on democracy and the values upheld by society. The attacks have garnered widespread condemnation from various leaders in the House of Commons, including Conservative Minister Kemi Badenoch, who deemed them “completely unacceptable.”
Historically, Starmer’s prior residence has also faced protests; notably, three pro-Palestinian activists were arrested last year for public order offences after displaying a banner marked with red handprints outside the property.