A recent investigation by the Metropolitan Police has led to the charging of a third individual in connection with a series of arson attacks targeting properties associated with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The accused, identified as 34-year-old Petro Pochynok, a Ukrainian national residing in North London, faces grave charges, including conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The implications of these charges are significant, especially given the high-profile nature of the figure involved — the Prime Minister.
In this case, Pochynok joins two other alleged perpetrators: Roman Lavrynovych, aged 21, and Stanislav Carpiuc, aged 26, both of whom have similarly been charged regarding these arson incidents. Pochynok’s court appearance is scheduled for later today at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where the gravity of the accusations will be formally addressed.
The police have linked the charges to three distinct incidents. The criminal acts include a vehicle fire that occurred in Kentish Town, a fire at the Prime Minister’s private residence on the same street, and another fire at a previously occupied residence in North-West London. These incidents not only reflect an alarming trend of arson but also raise concerns given their proximity to a public figure, which is why the Counter Terrorism Command is leading the inquiry.
Pochynok’s arrest took place on Monday in Chelsea, South-West London. According to the Metropolitan Police, he is charged with conspiring alongside Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and others yet to be identified, with the intention of damaging property through arson. This alarming series of events sparked extensive media coverage as well as public interest.
Previously, Lavrynovych had already been charged with three counts of arson aimed at endangering life. He made a court appearance on Friday but did not enter any formal pleas. Instead, he denied the allegations during a police interview, which further complicates the unfolding narrative surrounding these events. Carpiuc, who also carries Romanian nationality despite having been born in Ukraine, faces similar charges and appeared in court earlier this week.
The legal proceedings for all three individuals are ongoing, with each currently remanded in custody until their next hearing, scheduled for June 6 at the Old Bailey in London. The case’s notoriety stems in part from its connection to a high-profile political figure, which led the police to classify the investigation under counter-terrorism efforts, a decision that emphasizes the seriousness of the charges.
In detail, the incidents under investigation began on May 8, when a vehicle previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer caught fire on Kentish Town street. Shortly after, on the morning of May 11, a small fire was reported at a converted flat where Starmer had lived during the 1990s. Firefighters had to rescue one person using breathing apparatus during this event. The day following this incident, police were alerted to a fire at the Prime Minister’s home, which resulted in damage to the entrance but fortunately did not cause any injuries to residents. Notably, the property is reported to be rented to Starmer’s sister-in-law.
The cumulative nature of these incidents, alongside the involvement of notable figures and potential danger to life, has garnered significant public and media attention, raising questions about the safety of high-profile individuals and the implications of violent crimes targeting them. The ongoing investigations and subsequent legal developments will undoubtedly continue to draw public interest and scrutiny in the weeks to come.