A UKRAINIAN man charged in connection with fires at two properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was remanded in custody by magistrates today.

Roman Lavrynovych, 21, is accused of three counts of arson with intent to endanger life following fires in north London last week.

The defendant, assisted by an interpreter, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address at a short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

He is charged with setting fire to a car parked in a residential street on Thursday (May 8), a house on Saturday (May 10) and another in the same street where the car was burned on Sunday (May 11).

Prosecutor Sarah Przybylska said that the alleged offending remained “unexplained.”

Magistrates heard that Lavrynovych was interviewed under caution after his arrest and denied arson.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 6.