It’s been a tense week in North London as a disturbing series of fires connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s former properties has captured national attention.
What began as a quiet Monday evening quickly escalated into a high-priority police investigation, bringing in counter-terror experts and raising safety concerns among political figures.
Arrest Made in Connection with Three Suspicious Fires
A 21-year-old man, Roman Lavrynovych, has been formally charged after allegedly starting three fires between May 8 and May 12.
Lavrynovych, a Ukrainian national from Sydenham, is accused of setting fire to a car and two properties linked to the Prime Minister — including his £2 million Kentish Town home.
Authorities believe the attacks were deliberate and posed a serious risk to life.
Lavrynovych now faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court this Friday.
He has been in custody since his arrest in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Damage at Starmer’s Kentish Town Property
On Monday night, the most recent fire broke out at Starmer’s four-bedroom home in Kentish Town, which he has rented to his sister-in-law at a symbolic fee since moving to Downing Street.
Fortunately, fire crews responded quickly and contained the blaze to the porch area, preventing it from spreading inside the house.
Though no injuries were reported, the event has deeply shaken those close to the Prime Minister.
The targeted nature of the fires has sparked concern not just for Starmer’s family, but for the broader safety of public figures.
Counter Terror Police and CPS Respond
In the wake of these incidents, Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command took the lead on the investigation.
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Counter Terrorism Division, confirmed that sufficient evidence had been presented to bring charges.
“These charges are based on incidents involving fires at homes in Islington and Kentish Town, as well as a vehicle fire — all within a span of a few days,” she explained.
She also emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair trial and warned the public and media to avoid any coverage or commentary that might interfere with legal proceedings.
Emotional Fallout and Political Response
London Mayor Sadiq Khan weighed in on the emotional toll these events have had on the Prime Minister’s family.
Speaking on LBC Radio, he said, “Don’t underestimate the fear that [Starmer’s wife] Vic and the kids must have felt seeing this in the news.”
He went on to express relief that the family was safe, thanks in part to the security arrangements at Downing Street.
“They’ve got a protection team, thank God,” he added.
What’s Next?
As Lavrynovych prepares to face court, questions remain about his motives and whether he acted alone.
The police investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge in the coming days.
In the meantime, heightened security and vigilance around politicians’ residences are expected.
This case also highlights the growing risks public figures face in today’s climate, where political tensions sometimes cross dangerous lines.
For now, the Prime Minister’s family is safe — but the incident has left a lingering sense of vulnerability in its wake.