Two men plead not guilty over fires at homes linked to PM

Petro Pochynok (left) and Roman Lavrynovych (right) pled not guilty to the charges

Two men have pleaded not guilty to plotting a series of arson attacks at properties connected to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Ukrainian nationals Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Petro Pochynok, 35, were accused of targeting two properties and a car linked to the PM, along with Ukrainian-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27.

The men appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Belmarsh in south-east London on Friday.

The charges relate to three incidents: a vehicle fire in Kentish Town, a fire at the prime minister's private home on the same street, and a fire at an address where he previously lived in north-west London.

Mr Lavrynovych, of Sydenham, and Mr Pochynok, of north London, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

The charge alleged that the men "together with others" conspired to damage by fire property "belonging to another and intending to endanger the life of another or being reckless as to the life of another would thereby be endangered".

Mr Carpiuc, of Romford, was not asked to enter his plea for the same charge.

The prosecution indicated that the case was not being treated as having a terrorist connection.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the circumstances of the alleged offences were "somewhat opaque".

"Plainly they are co-ordinated and must have some motive or purpose behind them," she told the court.

The three men were assisted by interpreters during Friday's court hearing.

They were remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for 28 November. A provisional trial date has already been set for 27 April 2026.

On 8 May, a car previously owned by the prime minister was found on fire on a street he previously lived on in Kentish Town, north London.

Three days later, a fire was discovered at flats linked to the PM in nearby Islington. Firefighters rescued one person with the help of breathing apparatus.

On 12 May, a fire was discovered at the entrance to Sir Keir's Kentish Town home, which was being rented out.