Starmer Arson Plot Trial: Three in Court Over Attacks on PM’s Homes

STARMER ARSON PLOT TRIAL: THREE IN COURT OVER ATTACKS ON PM’S HOMES

We are live from the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) as the trial begins for three men accused of a coordinated campaign of arson targeting properties and a vehicle linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The proceedings, which are expected to last several weeks, follow a series of incidents in May 2025 that saw emergency services scrambled to addresses in North London. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, Petro Pochynok, 35, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, appear in the dock today to face a jury regarding their alleged roles in the plot.

The prosecution alleges the trio participated in a "coordinated" effort to endanger lives through fire, while investigators look into whether the men—Ukrainian and Romanian nationals—were recruited via social media platforms to carry out the attacks. All three defendants deny the charges and remain in custody.

Read more: Sharaz ali handed whole-life order for quadruple house fire murder

THE TRIAL: KEY POINTS SO FAR

🔴 THE CHARGES: Roman Lavrynovych, Petro Pochynok, and Stanislav Carpiuc all deny conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Lavrynovych faces additional counts of arson related to specific incidents.

🔴 THE TARGETS: Jurors will hear evidence regarding three separate attacks: a vehicle fire in Kentish Town, a blaze at an Islington flat where a resident had to be rescued, and a fire at the entrance of the Prime Minister’s current private home.

🔴 "OPAQUE" MOTIVE: While the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation, the Crown has stated the case is not currently being treated as a terrorist incident. Trial judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb previously described the purpose behind the attacks as "somewhat opaque."

Read more: Trio convicted of attempted murder in revenge petrol attack

🔴 THE TELEGRAM CONNECTION: Investigations suggest that Lavrynovych may have been recruited through a Telegram channel for foreign nationals in London. Security services are reportedly probing potential Russian involvement in the recruitment of the suspects.

🔴 THE DEFENCE POSITION: The defendants maintain their innocence, with legal teams expected to argue that the evidence does not support a conspiracy to endanger life or that the men were not the individuals responsible for the blazes.

We'll bring you the latest updates on our live feed below...

LIVE REPORTING BY: Ben Freeman

Read more: Jealous ex murdered mum & 3 children in revenge blaze

Edited by: Ali Mitford

LIVE: DAY 1 - 27 APRIL 2026 - MORNING AM SESSION:

12:17

COURT REPORTING RESTRICTIONS NOTICE

2026-04-27 10:17 AM BST

🔴 KENTISH TOWN ARSON TRIAL LIVE

Good morning from Court 2 at the Old Bailey. Legal preambles are underway before the Kentish Town Arson trial begins. Jury selection is scheduled for 11:45am, when our live reporting of the proceedings against the three defendants will start ⬇️

10:15

COURT REPORTING RESTRICTIONS NOTICE