Ukrainian man charged over fires at homes linked to Keir Starmer
A Ukrainian national has been charged in connection with a series of arson attacks which appeared to target Sir Keir Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
They relate to an attack on the Prime Minister's home on May 12, the entrance of a property linked to Sir Keir on May 11, and an electric vehicle fire on May 8, police said.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday.
Counter-terror police have been leading the investigation.
A suspicious blaze broke out at a property in Tufnell Park, north London, where the Prime Minister lived while in opposition, just after 1.30am on Monday.
It followed a suspected arson attack at a second north London property linked to Sir Keir 24 hours earlier, and an electric car fire on May 8.
Nobody was hurt in the blaze at Sir Keir's family home, which is being rented out to Lady Starmer's sister for a peppercorn rent.
Neighbours in the quiet, tree-lined street described how they were woken by a loud bang in the early hours.
Charles Grant, 66, who lives on the same road, said: 'I heard a loud noise at around midnight. I was half asleep. It was some sort of bang. I went back to sleep. I don't think the damage was too extensive as the house is still standing.
'The front door and the brickwork on either side is black and charred but the door is still standing. It smells of burnt stuff. The police said the damage is not extensive – just needs a bit of paintwork.'
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service counter terrorism division, said: '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, contrary to section 1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
'These charges relate to two fires at residential addresses in Islington on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and in Kentish Town on Monday, 12 May 2025, as well as a car fire in Kentish Town on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
'The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.'
More follows.
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