A 21-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to cause a fire at the former home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Roman Lavrynovych, a Ukrainian national, faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life, according to a police statement released on Thursday.
The charges, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relate to three separate incidents: a vehicle fire in NW5 on May 8, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on May 11, and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of May 12.
Lavrynovych was arrested early Tuesday in connection with this series of suspected arson attacks, which include the fire at the property once owned by Starmer.
The investigation is being led by the Metropolitan Police&rsquo;s Counter Terrorism Command due to the involvement of a high-profile individual.
Emergency services responded in the early hours of May 12 to a fire at the Kentish Town residence where Starmer lived before becoming Prime Minister and moving to 10 Downing Street.
The London Fire Brigade alerted police to the fire at around 1:35 a.m. British Summer Time. The blaze caused damage to the entrance of the property, but no injuries were reported.
Four days earlier, on May 8, a car previously owned by Prime Minister Starmer and sold to a neighbour was set on fire on the same street.
Firefighters assisted one person to safety during the incident.
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service counterterrorism division, emphasized the importance of a fair trial. She urged the public and media to avoid any reporting or commentary that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Starmer lived at the north London residence in the 1990s and continues to retain the property, though he currently resides at 10 Downing Street with his family.
The recent fires have raised concerns about the security of politicians in the UK and prompted widespread messages of support across political lines.

Police Charge Man with Intentional Arson Near British PM’s Old Home

Investigation led by Counter Terrorism Command after multiple fires in north London

21-Year-Old Arrested for Arson at Keir Starmer’s Former Residence

Investigation led by Counter Terrorism Command after multiple fires in north London

May 16, 2025 | 10:06 IST