A probe into alleged arson attacks at residences connected to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has resulted in the arrest of a third individual, according to police reports. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that 34-year-old Petro Pochynok, a Ukrainian national residing in north London, has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Joining him are Roman Lavrynovych, 21, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, who have also faced charges relating to the fires. Pochynok is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court later in the day.
The charges stem from three incidents – a car fire in Kentish Town, a blaze at the prime minister’s private residence on the same street, and a fire at a previous address the minister inhabited in north-west London. Pochynok was apprehended in Chelsea on Monday, suspected of conspiring to commit arson with the intent of jeopardizing lives. Police alleged that he, along with Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and unidentified others, conspired to damage property through fire. Lavrynovych, also hailing from Ukraine, is facing three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and is scheduled for a court appearance at the Old Bailey in June.
Carpiuc, a native of Ukraine with Romanian citizenship, likewise faces charges of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. The trio has been detained until the upcoming hearing in June. An investigation spearheaded by the Met Police’s Counter Terrorism Command is ongoing due to the significant link to a prominent public figure, as per a police statement. The incidents include a car fire in Kentish Town, a minor fire at a property in Islington, and a fire at the prime minister’s personal residence. The latter incurred damage to the entrance but resulted in no injuries. Reports suggest that the said property is leased by Sir Keir’s sister-in-law
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