48-year-old suspect detained under terrorism laws before arrest on conspiracy charges as Scotland Yard investigation into attacks on PM’s properties intensifies
A fourth man has been arrested at London Stansted Airport in connection with the shocking arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Scotland Yard has confirmed.
The 48-year-old suspect was detained on Monday as counter-terrorism detectives continue their investigation into the coordinated fire attacks that targeted the Prime Minister’s personal properties in north London last month.
STOPPED UNDER TERROR LAWS
In a dramatic development, the man was initially stopped by officers under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – powers that allow police to stop, question and detain individuals at ports and airports to determine if they are involved in terrorism.
Following the initial stop, he was formally arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life – the same charge faced by other suspects in the case.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed: “He has now been taken to a police station in London where he remains in custody.”
FOURTH ARREST IN MAJOR PROBE
The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects detained in connection with the arson attacks to four, in what has become one of the most significant security investigations involving a sitting Prime Minister.
The arrest follows three previous detentions in May:
- Roman Lavrynovych, 21, a Ukrainian national, was the first to be arrested on May 13
- Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, a Romanian national born in Ukraine, was detained at Luton Airport on May 17
- Petro Pochynok, 34, another Ukrainian national, was arrested in Chelsea on May 19
ATTACKS THAT SHOCKED WESTMINSTER
The investigation centres on three separate fire attacks that took place over five days in May 2025:
- A Toyota RAV4 car that Starmer previously owned was set ablaze on May 8
- A fire at the entrance to an apartment building in Islington where Starmer once lived on May 11
- An attack on Starmer’s private home in Kentish Town on May 12, which damaged the property’s entrance
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation given the high-profile nature of the targets and the Prime Minister’s involvement.
‘ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY’
The arson attacks sent shockwaves through Westminster, with Sir Keir Starmer condemning them as “an attack on all of us, on our democracy and the values we stand for.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed these sentiments, stating: “I think I speak for the whole house when I say that this wasn’t just an attack on him, but on all of us and on our democracy.
SECURITY CONCERNS MOUNT
The attacks have raised serious questions about the security of senior politicians, coming after the murders of MPs Jo Cox in 2016 and Sir David Amess in 2021.
The Prime Minister and his family had moved out of the Kentish Town property after his election in July 2024, relocating to the official residence at 10 Downing Street. The property is believed to have been rented out to tenants.
STANSTED AIRPORT ARREST
The use of Schedule 7 powers at Stansted Airport suggests authorities may have had intelligence about the suspect’s movements or potential travel plans.
These terrorism powers allow officers to:
- Stop and question individuals for up to six hours
- Search electronic devices
- Take DNA samples and fingerprints
- Detain suspects without the need for reasonable suspicion
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
With four suspects now in custody, the counter-terrorism investigation appears to be making significant progress. The three previously arrested men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Our investigation remains ongoing and we continue to work at pace to establish the full circumstances of these incidents.
The arrest comes as security has been heightened around government buildings and the homes of senior politicians following the attacks.
INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION
The involvement of multiple foreign nationals – including three Ukrainians and a Romanian – has added an international dimension to the investigation, though authorities have not revealed any potential motive for the attacks.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about the vulnerability of politicians’ private residences and the challenge of protecting public figures in an era of heightened political tensions.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about how the alleged conspirators identified and targeted properties linked to the Prime Minister, and whether they acted alone or as part of a wider network.
Image credit: Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends NATO Summit (cropped) by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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