Police are investigating a fire that broke out in the early hours at the constituency office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson in Concord, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said it sent seven appliances to the scene and that there were no reported casualties. Photographs from the site show the building damaged by flames and graffiti on the side reading “328 days blood on your hands,” though it is not clear when the graffiti was applied.
A spokesperson for Hodgson, the MP for Washington and Gateshead South, said she "will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents." The spokesperson added that the office would not comment or speculate while a police investigation was under way and said there was "no place for this kind of violence in our society."
Phil Tye, chair of TWFRS and a Labour councillor, thanked firefighters and control staff for their response and said his thoughts were with those affected. During questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Labour MP Andy McDonald said he spoke for the whole House in sending "our best wishes" to Hodgson and her staff over the "appalling fire".
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said he was not aware of the incident at the time he spoke but added MPs' thoughts would be with their colleague. He said the episode "particularly in light of international events... 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."
Police have not released details on the cause of the fire or whether it is being treated as suspicious. Local emergency services remain involved and inquiries are ongoing.
Hodgson represents the Washington and Gateshead South constituency and has served in Parliament since 2005. Her office fire comes as the matter is examined by investigators; officials have asked the public not to speculate while police carry out their inquiries.