Fifth Arrest in Starmer Arson Attacks Probe 2026

Key Points

• A fifth man, aged 19, was arrested on Wednesday in Harlow, Essex, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, linked to fires at properties and a car in north London associated with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
• The suspect was subsequently released under investigation, pending further enquiries by the Metropolitan Police.
• Three men—Ukrainians Petro Pochynok, 35, and Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Ukrainian-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27—have been charged in connection with the attacks and are due to stand trial on 27 April.
• All three accused have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit damage to property by fire, being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.
• Roman Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, has additionally pleaded not guilty to two counts of damaging property by fire, intending to endanger the lives of others.
• A fourth man involved in the probe has been released without charge, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesman.
• The incidents include a fire on 12 May at Sir Keir Starmer’s former home in Kentish Town, where he lived before becoming prime minister and moving into Downing Street.
• Four days earlier, on 8 May, a car was set alight in the same street as the Kentish Town property.
• Another fire occurred on 11 May at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, north London.
• The ongoing investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London due to the fires’ connections to a high-profile public figure.

(North London News) February 10 2025 – Police in Harlow, Essex, arrested a 19-year-old man on Wednesday in connection with a series of arson attacks targeting properties and a vehicle linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as reported by the BBC. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the suspect was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and later released under investigation while enquiries continue. This marks the fifth arrest in the probe, with three other men already charged and set for trial on 27 April.

Who Was the Fifth Arrestee and What Are the Charges?

The fifth individual, a 19-year-old man whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended in Harlow, Essex, on Wednesday, according to a Metropolitan Police statement covered by the BBC. He faces suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson related to the north London incidents.

“He was subsequently released under investigation, pending further enquiries,”

the Metropolitan Police said, as quoted directly in the BBC report.

This arrest builds on prior detentions in the case. A fourth man, whose details remain unspecified, has been released without charge, a Met Police spokesman confirmed to BBC journalists. The development underscores the broadening scope of the investigation into the fires that struck properties associated with Sir Keir Starmer.

What Previous Arrests and Charges Have Occurred?

Three men have already been formally charged in connection with the attacks on two properties and a car. As reported by BBC News, Ukrainians Petro Pochynok, 35, Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Ukrainian-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, all pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit damage to property by fire, being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.

Roman Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, faces additional charges.

“Lavrynovych… has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of damaging property by fire, intending to endanger the lives of others,”

the BBC detailed in its coverage. The trio is scheduled to stand trial on 27 April, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.

When and Where Did the Arson Attacks Take Place?

The attacks unfolded over several days in May 2025 in north London. On 12 May, a fire broke out at the Kentish Town home where Sir Keir Starmer resided before ascending to the role of prime minister and relocating to Downing Street, per the BBC’s timeline.

Four days prior, on 8 May, a car was deliberately set alight in the same street, the Metropolitan Police noted. Another incident occurred on 11 May at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, north London. These precise locations tie the blazes directly to properties linked to the prime minister.

Why Is Counter Terrorism Policing Involved?

The investigation has been elevated to a high level due to the targets’ significance.

“The Met Police has said the ongoing investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London ‘due to the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure’,”

as stated verbatim in the BBC article. This involvement reflects concerns over potential threats to national security, given Sir Keir Starmer’s prominence.

The decision to engage counter terrorism specialists signals that authorities view the incidents not merely as isolated arsons but as possible acts with broader implications. No motive has been publicly confirmed, but the linkage to the prime minister has prompted this specialised oversight.

How Serious Are the Charges Faced by the Accused?

The charges carry grave implications, emphasising risks to life. Petro Pochynok, Roman Lavrynovych, and Stanislav Carpiuc each denied conspiracy to commit damage to property by fire with recklessness as to endangering lives.

Lavrynovych’s extra counts allege intent to endanger lives through fire damage, escalating the potential penalties.

All pleas of not guilty were entered, setting the stage for the 27 April trial. The release under investigation of the fifth man and the fourth man’s clearance indicate a meticulous process to ensure only substantiated cases proceed.

What Is the Status of the Fourth Man Involved?

A fourth man, previously arrested, has been fully exonerated. “A fourth man has been released without charge, a Met Police spokesman has said,” the BBC reported directly. This outcome suggests insufficient evidence linked him to the arsons, allowing the focus to sharpen on remaining suspects.

Could These Attacks Be Politically Motivated?

While no official motive has been disclosed, the connection to Sir Keir Starmer raises questions about political dimensions. The properties—one his former residence—suggest targeted intent, though investigators have not speculated publicly. Counter Terrorism Policing’s role implies scrutiny for ideological or extremist drivers, but as per BBC coverage, details remain pending further enquiries.

The timing in May 2025, shortly after Sir Keir’s tenure began, adds intrigue, yet neutrality demands awaiting court revelations. Authorities have prioritised public safety amid the probe.

What Happens Next in the Investigation and Trial?

The three charged men await trial on 27 April, a date fixed post their not guilty pleas.

The 19-year-old remains under investigation, potentially facing charges as evidence mounts. The Metropolitan Police continues leading efforts through Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Ongoing enquiries could yield more arrests or insights into motives. Public updates will likely follow significant developments, maintaining transparency in this high-profile matter.

Broader Context: Security Concerns for Public Figures

These incidents spotlight vulnerabilities for political leaders. Sir Keir Starmer’s move to Downing Street did not sever ties to his past homes, now targeted. Similar cases globally underscore rising threats to officials, prompting enhanced protections.

The Met Police’s proactive arrests demonstrate resolve. As the BBC noted, the fires’ recklessness endangered lives, amplifying urgency.

Impact on North London Communities

Residents in Kentish Town and Islington face heightened alertness. The 8 May car fire, 11 May flat door blaze, and 12 May house fire disrupted normalcy, fostering unease over safety.

Local sentiment, though not directly quoted in the BBC piece, likely mirrors national concern for the PM’s security. Police presence has surged, balancing investigation with community reassurance.

Statements from Authorities and Legal Proceedings

No direct quotes from Sir Keir Starmer appear in initial reports, focusing on police actions. The Met Police’s measured updates—”arrested on suspicion,” “released under investigation”—exemplify procedural caution.

Trial preparations for Pochynok, Lavrynovych, and Carpiuc proceed apace. Their not guilty pleas ensure a full hearing, where evidence will be tested.