The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of a fifth individual in connection with a series of arson attacks targeting properties associated with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into the coordinated incidents that occurred last year.
Latest Arrest and Investigation Details
A 19-year-old man from Harlow, Essex, was taken into custody on Wednesday and questioned at a police station in Essex. He has since been released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson. The Metropolitan Police have emphasised that their inquiry, which is being led by specialist counter-terrorism officers, remains active and ongoing.
Background of the Arson Incidents
The case centres on three separate arson attacks that took place in May last year, targeting two residential properties and a vehicle. One of the fires occurred in the early hours of May 12 at a home in Kentish Town, north London, where Keir Starmer resided before becoming Prime Minister and moving into Downing Street. Just four days earlier, on May 8, a car was set alight in the same street. The third incident happened on May 11 at the front door of a converted house in Islington.
Current Legal Proceedings
Three men are scheduled to stand trial at the Old Bailey in April, accused of involvement in these attacks. Ukrainian nationals Roman Lavrynovych, aged 21, and Petro Pochynok, aged 35, both pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life during a hearing at the Old Bailey in October last year. Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, aged 27, entered a not guilty plea to the same charge on November 28. All three have been remanded into custody awaiting their trial, which is set for April 27.
Prosecutors have stated that the case is not being treated as terrorism-related. A fourth man was previously arrested but has been released without charge, according to a police spokesman.
Political Context and Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly addressed the attacks, describing the targeting of his former family home in North London as "an attack on all of us". This statement underscores the broader implications of such incidents on public figures and community safety. The arrests and upcoming trial highlight the serious nature of the offences and the determined police response to what appears to be a coordinated criminal conspiracy.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, while the legal process moves forward with the trial of the three accused individuals next month.
