Fifth Arrest in NW5 Arson Probe Targets High-Profile Fires

Key Points

• A 19-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in Harlow, Essex, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson related to various fires in the NW5 area in May 2025.
• The individual was taken to an Essex police station and subsequently released under investigation, with enquiries ongoing.
• This marks the fifth arrest in the investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London, due to the fires’ connections to a high-profile public figure.
• Previously, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against three men for specific incidents: a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May 2025, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May 2025, and a fire at a residential address in NW5 on 12 May 2025.
• Roman Lavrynovych, 21 (born 06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national, was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.
• Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (born 15.07.98), of Romford, a Romanian national, was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
• Petro Pochynok, 34 (born 25.07.90), of north London, a Ukrainian national, was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.
• The three charged men (Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and Pochynok) have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to stand trial at the Old Bailey on 27 April 2026.
• The public is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 441/12MAY/2025, with any information that could assist the investigation.

NW5, North London (North London News) January 30, 2026 – A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Harlow, Essex, as part of an ongoing police investigation into multiple fires in the NW5 area last May, marking the fifth detention in a probe led by Counter Terrorism Policing London due to links with a high-profile public figure.​

This latest arrest underscores the persistent efforts by authorities to unravel what appears to be a coordinated series of arson attacks in north London postcodes. The suspect, arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson, was released under investigation after questioning at an Essex police station, with officers stating that enquiries remain ongoing.

Who Was the Fifth Man Arrested?

The 19-year-old man, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was apprehended on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in Harlow, Essex. As detailed in the official police statement, he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson and transported to a local Essex police station for initial questioning. He was subsequently released under investigation, pending further enquiries, indicating that detectives require additional time to build their case.

This development brings the total number of arrests to five in connection with the fires that occurred in May 2025. The investigation’s focus on conspiracy suggests investigators believe the incidents involved planning and multiple participants.

What Are the Specific Fires Under Investigation?

The fires in question took place over a few days in May 2025, targeting locations in NW5 and nearby N7. According to the police summary, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has previously authorised charges relating to three distinct incidents:

• A vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
• A fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
• A fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May 2025.

These events have been described by authorities as connected, with the probe elevated to Counter Terrorism Policing London because of their links to a high-profile public figure. No further details on the identity of this figure or the precise motives have been released, maintaining the investigation’s sensitivity.

Who Are the Previously Charged Individuals?

Three men have already been formally charged by the CPS in relation to the aforementioned fires. Roman Lavrynovych, aged 21 (born 06.02.2004), of Sydenham and a Ukrainian national, faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (born 15.07.1998), of Romford and a Romanian national, has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Petro Pochynok, 34 (born 25.07.1990), of north London and also a Ukrainian national, faces the same conspiracy charge.

All three – Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and Pochynok – have been remanded in custody. They are due to appear for trial at the Old Bailey on 27 April 2026. The charges reflect the severity of the offences, particularly the intent to endanger life, which carries significant penalties under UK law.

Why Is Counter Terrorism Policing Involved?

The investigation is being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, a specialised unit typically reserved for threats to national security. This involvement stems from the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure, though specifics remain undisclosed to protect the inquiry. Such escalation highlights the potential gravity of the case, possibly involving motives beyond common criminality, such as intimidation or political elements.

Enquiries remain ongoing, with police emphasising the collaborative nature of the probe across jurisdictions, from north London to Essex.

What Is the Status of the Latest Arrest?

Unlike the prior three suspects who face formal charges, the 19-year-old arrested on 28 January 2026 was released under investigation. This status, common in complex UK cases, allows police continued access to the individual while they gather more evidence. No further arrests have been announced, but the fifth detention signals active progress.

How Can the Public Assist the Investigation?

Authorities are appealing for public assistance. Anyone with information that could assist should call police on 101, quoting CAD 441/12MAY/2025. This reference number ensures details are directed to the correct investigation team. The call to action underscores that even minor observations from May 2025 could prove pivotal.

What Happens Next in the Legal Proceedings?

The three charged men – Roman Lavrynovych, Stanislav Carpiuc, and Petro Pochynok – remain in custody ahead of their Old Bailey trial on 27 April 2026. The timing allows for pre-trial preparations, including evidence disclosure and potential witness statements. Should further evidence emerge involving the fifth arrestee or others, additional charges could follow.

The CPS’s prior authorisation of charges against the trio indicates a strong evidential foundation for those specific counts, built on forensic, witness, and possibly CCTV analysis from the NW5 and N7 scenes.

Background on the NW5 and N7 Areas

NW5, encompassing parts of Camden including Kentish Town and Gospel Oak, is a densely populated residential zone in north London known for its community vibrancy amid urban challenges. Nearby N7, covering Holloway and Barnsbury in Islington, features similar mixed housing. The fires struck at vehicles, property entrances, and homes, raising local safety concerns in these postcodes.

The concentration of incidents over four days in May 2025 prompted swift police action, elevating the matter due to the public figure link.

Broader Implications for North London Security

This case illustrates the intersection of local crime and national security apparatus in the capital. With arson charges involving intent to endanger life, the public figure connection prompts questions about targeted threats in high-profile circles. Counter Terrorism Policing’s role ensures resources match the perceived risk, while community vigilance remains key.

As reported in the official police release, the investigation continues without interruption, with no indication of immediate public threat. Nonetheless, the arrests reflect robust policing amid ongoing enquiries.

Timeline of Events

To clarify the sequence:

• 8 May 2025: Vehicle fire in NW5.
• 11 May 2025: Fire at property entrance in N7.
• 12 May 2025: Residential fire in NW5 (early hours).
• Prior to January 2026: CPS charges three men; remanded for 27 April 2026 trial.
• 28 January 2026: Fifth arrest in Harlow, Essex; suspect released under investigation.

This chronology, drawn directly from the police statement, aids understanding of the probe’s progression.

Police Statement in Full Context

The enquiry’s leadership by Counter Terrorism Policing London was explicitly due to “the fires all having connections to a high-profile public figure.” Enquiries remain ongoing, with the CAD reference provided for tips. No other media reports contradict or expand on these details at this stage, maintaining focus on official channels.