Man charged with arson following fires in north London
Bethan David, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service Counter Terrorism Division, said:
“Following a review of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, we have authorised criminal charges against a 21-year-old man after three fires in north London.
“Roman Lavrynovych has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, contrary to section 1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
“These charges relate to two fires at residential addresses in Islington on Sunday, 11 May 2025 and in Kentish Town on Monday, 12 May 2025, as well as a car fire in Kentish Town on Thursday, 8 May 2025.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are now active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Roman Lavrynovych, [DOB: 06/02/2004], is of Sydenham, southeast London.
- He is charged with three offences of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, contrary to section 1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
- He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May 2025.
- The CPS Counter Terrorism Division is responsible for advising upon and prosecuting offending in England and Wales relating to terrorism, state threats, stirring up hatred, piracy and hijacking, and core international crimes, such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and genocide.