On May 13, 2025, the London police arrested 21-year-old Ukrainian citizen Roman Lavrynovych, accused of setting fire to a car and two properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to the BBC, the incidents took place in the areas of Kentish Town and northwest London, where Starmer previously lived and where his current home is located. Lavrynovych will appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 16. The investigation is qualifying the arsons as a possible terrorist act, checking for the involvement of foreign intelligence services, The Guardian reports.

The incidents began on the morning of 13 May, when a car registered to the Starmer family was set on fire in Kentish Town. Later that day, the prime minister's private home on the same street caught fire, as did a building at the address where Starmer lived before taking office. The fires were quickly extinguished, there were no casualties, but significant damage was caused to the property. Scotland Yard police have increased security at the prime minister's residence and have begun an investigation into the motives of Lavrynovych, who arrived in the UK in 2023 under the Ukrainian refugee support programme. The investigation has not yet revealed whether the arsons were politically motivated, but has not ruled out a connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Commenting on the situation, Starmer said:

"Such acts of violence must not undermine our resolve to support Ukraine."

According to Reuters, the prime minister urged the public to refrain from speculation, stressing that the investigation was at an early stage. Opposition Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak condemned the attack, calling it an "attack on democracy."