LONDON (AP) — On Tuesday, a second individual was charged in connection with a series of arsons that targeted properties related to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to the Metropolitan Police. The accused, 26-year-old Stanislav Carpiuc, a Romanian national from Romford, east London, faces charges of arson with intent to endanger life. His arrest took place on Saturday at Luton Airport, located north of London.
Prior to Carpiuc’s arrest, another suspect named Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian national, appeared in court last week on charges that included setting fire to Starmer's family home, a property previously occupied by Starmer, and the small SUV he had sold. Lavrynovych did not enter a plea to the three counts of arson with intent to endanger life during his court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. However, he denied the charges during a police interview.
In addition to Carpiuc and Lavrynovych, a 34-year-old man whose identity has not been disclosed was also arrested on Monday in Chelsea, west London. This individual is suspected of conspiracy to commit arson with the intent to endanger life and remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The string of fires, which did not result in any reported injuries, occurred on three separate nights in north London between May 8 and May 12, 2025. The incidents have raised concerns regarding the safety of public figures and have prompted increased media scrutiny of the underlying motives behind these targeted attacks.
Since being elected, Prime Minister Starmer and his family have taken residence at the official Downing Street location following his victory in July of that year. The fires directly targeting his properties have raised alarms and highlighted growing threats against political figures in the U.K.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to uncover any potential connections between the suspects and the incidents. The Metropolitan Police have indicated that they are treating the arsons seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
