A third man has been arrested in connection with a string of suspicious fires at homes linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Police believe these incidents may have been part of a coordinated plan to target the Prime Minister.
The most recent arrest involved a 34-year-old man, who was taken into custody in Chelsea, southwest London. He is being questioned on suspicion of helping to plan arson attacks that could have put lives in danger.
What Happened?
Earlier this month, fires broke out at three different locations connected to Keir Starmer. These included:
-
A vehicle fire in Kentish Town
-
A fire at Starmer’s current or recent residence
-
Another fire at a former property of his in north-west London
Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in the incidents, but they raised serious concerns about the safety of public figures and their families.
Who Else Has Been Arrested?
Two other men had already been arrested before this latest development:
-
Roman Lavrynovych, 21, from Ukraine, was the first to be charged. He’s accused of setting all three fires.
-
Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, a Romanian national, was arrested at Luton Airport. He’s also facing charges related to conspiracy to commit arson.
The two men are believed to have worked together, and police are now investigating whether the third man helped plan or support the attacks in any way.
Police Treating It Very Seriously
Because these fires targeted someone as high-profile as the Prime Minister, the investigation is being handled by counter-terrorism police. That doesn’t necessarily mean this was a terrorist attack, but it shows how seriously the authorities are treating it.
The police are still trying to figure out the full picture — including whether there were others involved and what the motive might have been.
What Has Keir Starmer Said?
Prime Minister Starmer called the attacks “an assault on democracy”, suggesting that these weren’t just personal attacks, but an attempt to threaten or intimidate a political figure. He has been living at 10 Downing Street since becoming Prime Minister in July 2024, but still owns or is linked to other properties.
Starmer has thanked the police for their quick work and reassured the public that he and his family are safe.
What Happens Next?
The third suspect is now being questioned, and more details could emerge in the coming days. Lavrynovych, the first man arrested, is due back in court on June 6.
Police are urging anyone with more information about the fires to come forward.
Why This Matters
These incidents are a big concern not just because they involve the Prime Minister, but because they raise questions about how safe public figures — and even regular citizens — are in their own homes. Fires like these, especially if planned and deliberate, can be incredibly dangerous.
The fact that three people have already been arrested shows the seriousness of the situation, and that the authorities are working hard to prevent anything like this from happening again.