A 21-year-old Ukrainian man accused of deliberately setting fires at multiple properties connected to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been remanded in custody after appearing in a London court on Friday.
Roman Lavrynovych faces three charges of arson with intent to endanger life. The alleged attacks targeted Starmer’s personal residence, an apartment building he once lived in, and a Toyota RAV4 SUV he previously owned. The incidents occurred over a five-day span in north London earlier this month.
During a brief appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Lavrynovych—assisted by an interpreter—confirmed his name, address, and date of birth but entered no plea. He is scheduled to appear at the Central Criminal Court on June 6 for a plea hearing.
According to prosecutor Sarah Przybylska, Lavrynovych has denied responsibility for the fires. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents, though damage was visible at the properties.
The most recent fire damaged the front doorway of Starmer’s Kentish Town residence on May 13. A day earlier, fire crews responded to a blaze at a former apartment of Starmer’s. On May 8, a car parked near his home, previously owned by the prime minister, was also set ablaze.
Starmer has since moved to 10 Downing Street with his family following his election as prime minister in July 2024.
Given the involvement of the country’s leader, the case has been led by counterterrorism detectives, and the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division has authorized the charges. This division typically handles crimes related to threats against the state.
Condemning the attacks, Starmer said earlier this week that the incidents were “an attack on all of us, on democracy, and on the values we stand for.”
Leaders across the political spectrum echoed the prime minister’s concerns. Kemi Badenoch, a senior Conservative MP, called the attacks “completely unacceptable,” reflecting widespread bipartisan outrage in Parliament.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the alleged crimes, and investigations are ongoing.