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Police granted more time to question man over fires at properties linked to PM

Counter-terror officers arrested a man, 26, at Luton Airport on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

Christopher McKeon
Sunday 18 May 2025 18:01 BST
Police are investigating a fire at Sir Keir Starmer’s house in north London (James Manning/PA)
Police are investigating a fire at Sir Keir Starmer’s house in north London (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

Police have been granted more time to question a second man arrested in connection with suspected arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Counter-terror officers arrested a 26-year-old man at Luton Airport on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Police.

The arrest, which took place shortly before 2pm, follows fires at Sir Keir’s home in Kentish Town, as well as another property and a car linked to the Prime Minister earlier this month.

On Sunday, a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, meaning the man can be detained for an additional 36 hours, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian man, has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fires.

Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, south-east London, denied arson in a police interview.

He appeared in court on Friday and was remanded in custody until a further hearing at the Old Bailey scheduled for June 6.

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