- विज्ञापन -
London: A 21-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to cause a fire at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s former residence, the Metropolitan Police announced.
Roman Lavrynovych, a Ukrainian national, faces three counts of arson with the aim of endangering life. The charges, approved 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 another fire at a residential address in NW5 during the early hours of May 12.
Lavrynovych was arrested early Tuesday in connection with these suspected arson attacks, including the fire at a property previously owned by Starmer. The investigation is being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command because of its high-profile links.
On May 12, emergency services responded to a fire at Starmer’s former home in Kentish Town, where he lived before becoming Prime Minister and moving to 10 Downing Street. The fire caused damage to the entrance but no injuries were reported. Additionally, a car that Starmer had sold to a neighbor last year was set ablaze four days earlier on the same street.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus helped one person safely escape from the fire, according to London Fire Brigade.
Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service counterterrorism division, emphasized that legal proceedings are now underway, and the accused is entitled to a fair trial. She warned against any online reporting or commentary that could prejudice the case.
While Starmer and his family now reside at 10 Downing Street, he still maintains his north London home—his previous residence—where the fires occurred. The series of incidents has raised concerns about the safety of politicians in the UK and prompted expressions of support and concern beyond mere political rivalry.
