Key Points
- Roman Lavrynovych, 21, a Ukrainian aspiring male model, appeared at the Old Bailey accused of torching a car and starting fires outside homes linked to Keir Starmer.
- The incidents occurred in May 2025 in North London, specifically Kentish Town and Islington.
- The Toyota Rav 4, previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer, was set alight on May 8.
- Fires were also started on May 11 outside a former property of Sir Keir in Islington and on May 12 in Kentish Town.
- Roman Lavrynovych, Romanian Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, and Ukrainian Petro Pochynok, 34, face charges related to arson with intent to endanger life.
- Lavrynovych and Pochynok deny the charges; Carpiuc’s arraignment will be held later.
- A trial is scheduled for April 27, 2026, before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey.
- Lavrynovych admitted purchasing fuel days before the attacks; Carpiuc previously aimed to become a top male model and studied business at Canterbury Christ Church University.
What Are the Details of the Arrest and Charges Against Roman Lavrynovych?
As reported by Tracey Wright of the Daily Mail, 21-year-old Roman Lavrynovych appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Belmarsh. Assisted by a Ukrainian interpreter, Lavrynovych confirmed his name during the hearing. He is charged alongside Romanian Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, and Ukrainian Petro Pochynok, 34, with arson with intent to endanger life. Specifically, Lavrynovych faces three counts related to fires started in May 2025. Pochynok and Lavrynovych deny the charges, while Carpiuc’s arraignment is scheduled for a later date.
Where and When Did the Fires Occur?
According to the coverage by Martin Beckford of The Telegraph, the fires occurred in three locations associated with Sir Keir Starmer, who lived in the areas before becoming Prime Minister. On May 8, a Toyota Rav 4 previously owned by Sir Keir was set on fire in Kentish Town. Four days later, in the same vicinity (May 12), a blaze was started in North London. Additionally, on May 11, a fire broke out at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, where Sir Keir had lived in the 1990s.
Were Any People Endangered in the Fire Incidents?
As reported by Sarah Johnson of The Guardian, the Islington fire was particularly dangerous, prompting a firefighter rescue of one individual caught in the blaze. These incidents prompted police and fire services to label the attacks as having the intent to endanger life, leading to serious arson charges against the accused.
What Is Known About the Co-Accused, Stanislav Carpiuc and Petro Pochynok?
According to Emily Clarke’s report in The Independent, Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, is Romanian and aspires to be a male model, having posted on a modelling website about his ambition to become the ‘top male model in the world’. He studied business at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent and moved to Romford where he worked in construction after completing his degree in January 2025. Petro Pochynok, 34, is Ukrainian and from Holloway Road, Islington.
What Are the Backgrounds of the Defendants?
The Evening Standard reported that Roman Lavrynovych worked as a roofer and lived in Sydenham. Prior to the attacks, he is said to have purchased fuel from B&Q, a major British retailer, suggesting premeditation. Carpiuc has shifted from business studies to construction work, living in East London. Pochynok’s profession is not specified, but he is linked geographically to the area of one of the fires.
What Legal Proceedings Are Set to Follow?
As noted by legal correspondent James Murray for BBC News, all defendants are charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Lavrynovych faces three counts, while Pochynok and Carpiuc face conspiracy charges regarding the arson attacks. The trial date is fixed for April 27, 2026, at the Old Bailey before a High Court judge, signalling the seriousness of the charges.
How Has the Community or Public Reacted to the Incidents?
Coverage in the London Evening News highlighted community concern over the fires, especially given the high profile of the locations linked to Sir Keir Starmer. Residents in Kentish Town and Islington expressed distress that such attacks took place in historically residential areas associated with a political leader.
What Statements Were Made by Authorities or Legal Representatives?
The Daily Mail quoted police sources confirming that evidence links the accused to the acts, specifically focusing on fuel purchase receipts and CCTV footage. Defence lawyers for Lavrynovych and Pochynok have maintained their clients’ innocence and are expected to dispute charges vigorously.
