Police are investigating an ‘incident’ at Labour MP Sharon Hodgson’s constituency office after it was seen ablaze and daubed in graffiti.
Flames were seen at the Washington and Gateshead South MP’s office in Concord, Washington last night.
The words ‘328 days blood on your hands’ were scrawled on the walls of the building, while a fellow Labour MP said it was a ‘suspected arson attack’.
There is a significant police and fire brigade presence at the site as investigations take place.
Ms Hodgson is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel and has been vocal about anti-Semitism.
Fellow Labour MP Ian Lavery, who represents Blyth and Ashington, posted a picture of Ms Hodgson’s office in flames.
He wrote on Facebook: ‘This is what happens when a climate of intolerance collides with lies, misinformation, and smears.
‘Over the past week, I’ve heard of colleagues facing horrific threats, being abused in public, and now, most shockingly, an office that had its windows smashed twice in a week has been hit by a suspected arson attack.
‘Sharon Hodgson is one of the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever meet.
‘She has served her community with dedication and care for nearly two decades. This attack is not just criminal, it is an outrageous assault on our democracy.’
Mr Lavery added: ‘If this continues unchecked, someone is going to be killed.’
Police are investigating an ‘incident’ at Labour MP Sharon Hodgson’s constituency office after it was seen ablaze and daubed in graffiti
The words ‘328 days blood on your hands’ were scrawled on the walls of the building
There is a significant police and fire brigade presence at the site as investigations take place
Ms Hodgson is MP for Washington and Gateshead South
John Foster is a member of Eagle Archery, which uses the one of the building’s adjoining Mrs Hodgson’s office.
He said: ‘I arrived this morning to attend a practice session to find the entrance blocked off by police cars and tape.
‘The building looks a bit of a mess. If this has been done deliberately then it’s shocking behaviour but people think they can get away with it.’
One local resident said: ‘There are surely more democratic ways to protest about things.
‘Other businesses look like they have also been affected. It’s difficult enough for local businesses at the moment without this.’
A spokesperson for Ms Hodgson said: ‘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.’
More to follow…
