Judith Alexander, sister-in-law to Labour leader Keir Starmer, has described her frightening experience after arsonists targeted her North London rental home on May 12 of last year.

Arson Attack and Initial Response

Roman Lavrynovych, a 21-year-old Ukrainian-born construction worker and part-time model, allegedly set fire to the front door of the property. Ms. Alexander was awake when she heard loud bangs, initially believing they were caused by bins hitting the door.

Upon investigation, she discovered a blaze and thick smoke filling the entrance. The property had recently become her family’s residence following Sir Keir Starmer’s move to Downing Street.

Alleged Russian Link and Multiple Targets

Prosecutors allege Lavrynovych acted under the direction of an unidentified individual with ties to Russia, who offered him £1,500 for a series of arson attacks. These attacks targeted properties connected to the Labour leader, including a car previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer and another associated property.

Ms. Alexander’s Account of the Night

Ms. Alexander’s statement to police details the panic and fear she experienced, especially for her nine-year-old daughter, whose bedroom was directly below the fire. She struggled to breathe due to asthma and the smoke, desperately trying to contact family members.

The family attempted to filter the smoke using Covid masks. Firefighters quickly arrived to extinguish the flames, but Ms. Alexander remained deeply shaken and haunted by the fire’s proximity to her daughter’s room.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

Alongside Lavrynovych, Petro Pochynok, 35, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, are also accused of involvement in the arson attacks. Lavrynovych was arrested at his home in Sydenham, where police found evidence linking him to the fires.

This evidence included trainers with traces of turpentine substitute, a petrol can, and a bottle of white spirit bearing his DNA. Initially denying involvement, Lavrynovych later claimed he was coerced by a contact known as ‘El Money,’ who offered payment for surveillance and threatened him when he didn’t comply.

He stated he was offered £1,500 for surveillance but never received payment.

Trial Details

All three defendants deny the charges of conspiracy to damage property by fire between April 1 and May 13 of last year. Lavrynovych also denies charges of damaging properties with intent to endanger life or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

The trial is currently ongoing at the Old Bailey, where jurors are hearing detailed accounts of the events and the evidence gathered by investigators. The case raises concerns about potential foreign interference and the targeting of political figures and their families.