4 hours ago
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Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on the office of the Labour MP Sharon Hodgson.
Images show her constituency office in Washington, Tyne and Wear burnt out and the roof destroyed.
As well as apparently extensive damage to the building, Vermont House, there is graffiti on the side of the building reading: “328 days blood on your hands.”
Hodgson is the MP for Washington and Gateshead South. A spokesperson for the MP said in a statement: “An incident occurred overnight at Sharon’s office.
“We will not be commenting or speculating while there is an ongoing police investigation; what we are clear on is there is no place for this kind of violence in our society.
“Sharon will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents in Washington and Gateshead South as she does day in, day out. Constituents should get in touch with their issues by emailing in the usual way.”
The government said the “thoughts of the whole house” would be with Hodgson.
It came after the Labour MP Andy McDonaldmentioned the fire during a question in the House of Commons on Thursday morning.
McDonald said: “I’m sure I speak for the whole house in sending our best wishes to our colleague in Washington and Gateshead South for the appalling fire at her office overnight, and send our very best wishes to her and her staff.”
The Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: “I wasn’t aware of the terrible instance he referred to this morning, I’ve just been informed and I’m sure the thoughts of the whole house will be with our colleague.”
He added: “I think particularly in light of international events, and the tragic loss of colleagues, this all the more underlines why we must have security and safety to go about democratic debate in this country, whatever our views, in a safe and secure way.”
More details soon …
