A 21-year-old Ukrainian national has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life following a series of fires targeting properties and a vehicle linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday after being arrested in Sydenham, south-east London, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to three incidents in north London.
In the early hours of Monday, May 12, emergency services responded to a blaze at a residential property in Kentish Town, previously occupied by Sir Keir before he moved into No. 10 Downing Street. The fire damaged the entrance to the home, but no injuries were reported.
A separate incident occurred on Thursday, May 8, when a car connected to the Prime Minister was set alight on the same street.
Earlier on Sunday, May 11, firefighters were called to a property being converted into flats in nearby Islington – also linked to Sir Keir – after a small fire was reported at the front door. One person was led to safety by fire crews using breathing apparatus.
Lavrynovych was formally charged on Thursday.
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s counter terrorism division, confirmed the charges in a statement:
“Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised criminal charges against a 21-year-old man after three fires in north London.”
“Roman Lavrynovych has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.”
The CPS reminded the public that criminal proceedings are active and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial, urging caution over any commentary or online discussion that could prejudice the case.
The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism officers.
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