Keir Starmer’s sister-in-law, Judith Alexander, described waking to “black billowing smoke” and an “orange glow” during an arson attack at the north London house she rented on 12 May 2025. The incident, which took place shortly before 1am, happened while her partner and daughter were asleep in the property, raising fears of serious harm. The London Fire Brigade were called as Alexander, who suffers from asthma, struggled to breathe in the smoke-filled home.
Terrifying Moments Recalled
Alexander told the Old Bailey court she was alerted by “two bangs” that sounded like wheelie bins hitting the door before spotting flames at the entrance. “I was scared,” she said, recalling the smoke filling the house and her difficulty breathing due to asthma. Her daughter, awakened by the smell of smoke, handed out Covid masks as the family prepared to evacuate.
Series Of Fires Linked To
This attack was the third fire linked to Sir Keir Starmer within days: first, a Toyota once owned by the Labour leader was found ablaze on 8 May on the same street; then a fire at his Islington flats on 11 May; followed by the arson on Alexander’s Kentish Town house on 12 May.
Three Men On Trial
Three Ukrainian nationals — Roman Lavrynovych, 22; Petro Pochynok, 35; and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, who is Ukrainian-born Romanian — deny conspiring to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May 2025. Lavrynovych faces additional charges of arson with intent to endanger life for the May attacks.
Accusations And Evidence
The court heard Lavrynovych was allegedly recruited by a Russian-speaking Telegram user known as “El Money”. He initially denied involvement, but phone data placed him at the scenes. He admitted being asked to start the fires but insisted he did not commit arson and was never paid despite alleged offers. The other two men gave no comment during police interviews. The trial is set to continue for three weeks.
