Suspected arson attack at MPs office sparks police probe
The MP for Washington and Gateshead South Sharon Hodgson's office in Washington, Sunderland which has been damaged by a blaze
An MPs office has been hit with a suspected arson attack overnight.
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The constituency office of Sharon Hodgson, the Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, was gutted by the fire on Wednesday.
The office in Concord, Washington, was also daubed with graffiti in the incident and the suspected attack was confirmed in the House of Commons on Thursday.
Scrawlings in white paint on the side of the building said “328 days blood on your hands," but it is not immediately clear what the writing is referring to.
The building's roof has been nearly completely destroyed by the fire.
There is a significant police and fire service presence around the building as investigations take place.
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: "We can confirm that at the height of the incident, seven appliances, including an aerial ladder platform, attended a building fire in Washington during the early hours of this morning.
"The emergency call was received by our Control Room at 00:12, and the first crew arrived on Woodland Terrace in Concord within four minutes.
"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus (BA) used jets and a hose reel to extinguish the fire and worked alongside blue light colleagues to make the scene safe.
"No casualties were reported."
Chief fire officer, Peter Heath, said: "I want to commend our crews for their swift and professional response to this serious incident.
"Their actions ensured the fire was contained quickly and safely, with no reported casualties.
"We continue to work closely with our partners as investigations progress."
Councillor Phil Tye, chairman of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
"I'd like to thank our firefighters and control staff for their dedication and teamwork during what may be a challenging investigation."
A spokesperson for Ms Hodgson told reporters:"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."
Labour MP Andy McDonald (Middlesborough and Thornaby East) mentioned the fire during a question in the House of Commons on Thursday morning.
Mr 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."
Responding for the Government, 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."
Ms Hodgson, 59, has been an MP since 2005.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 12.20am today (Thursday), we were alerted to a fire at a premises on Woodland Terrace in the Washington area.
"Emergency services attended and no-one is reported to have been injured in the incident. "A man in his 20s has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson.
"He remains in police custody at this time. Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report pages on the Force website.
“For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101. Please quote reference NP-20250911-0007."
Fire services have also been contacted for comment.