A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson following a major fire that destroyed the constituency office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Police attended the blaze at Washington and Gateshead South MP Sharon Hodgson’s office at Vermont House in Concord, Washington, Tyne and Wear, in the early hours of Thursday. Seven fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze, which broke out at approximately 12:12am, leaving extensive damage to the building including a destroyed roof section and charred windows.
Graffiti on a wall read: “328 days blood on your hands.” It is understood to have been daubed on the wall last September and is believed to be a reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The graffiti, which pre-dated the fire, has raised questions about whether the attack was politically motivated.
Downing Street Condemns Attack
The Prime Minister’s office swiftly condemned the attack, with a No 10 spokesman saying: “There is absolutely no place for this kind of violence in our society. All those involved in our democratic process should be able to go about their vital work freely and with confidence.”
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty addressed Parliament on Thursday, stating that “the thoughts of the whole House” would be with Hodgson. “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”.
The veteran MP, who has represented the area for nearly two decades, vowed not to be deterred by the attack. A spokesperson for Ms Hodgson stated: “Sharon will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents in Washington and Gateshead South as she does day in, day out.”
Fire Service Response and Damage Assessment
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue deployed seven fire engines to the scene. The service confirmed that crews wearing breathing apparatus used jets and hose reels to extinguish the fire, working alongside emergency services to secure the area.
Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath commended the response, stating: “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.”
Aerial images show the roof in one corner has been destroyed and much of the building has been damaged. The fire also affected other businesses in Vermont House, including a small charity’s UK base and facilities used by veterans for mental health support.
Rising Threats Against MPs
The attack comes amid increasing concerns about the safety of parliamentarians across the UK. Fellow Labour MP Ian Lavery expressed his shock, describing Hodgson as “one of the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever meet” and warning that “if this continues unchecked, someone is going to be killed.”
City of Durham Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy wrote: “After the shocking murder of a political influencer mere hours ago in the US, MPs in the UK woke to scenes of one of our colleagues’ offices being targeted. No matter which part of the political spectrum you fall into – this is intimidation by thugs and they must face the full force of the law.
The incident follows a pattern of escalating threats against MPs. The Metropolitan Police stated in 2019 that there had been “a clearly increased volume” of incidents affecting MPs, with MPs reporting 151 alleged crimes to the police in 2017, rising to 342 in 2018: a 126% increase.
Previous Security Incidents
This is not the first security incident affecting Hodgson’s office. Last week a brick was thrown at a window of Vermont House, it is understood. The MP from the neighbouring constituency of Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Andy McDonald, noted in Parliament that “This incident follows several incidents that she’s experienced. It’s out of order”.
The attack recalls other serious incidents targeting MPs’ offices, including the Christmas Eve 2023 arson attack on then-Conservative MP Mike Freer’s north London office. Freer subsequently said he had received death threats over support for Israel.
Sharon Hodgson: Two Decades of Public Service
Sharon Hodgson (born 1 April 1966) is a British politician who has served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Washington and Gateshead South since 2024, and previously for Washington and Sunderland West and Gateshead East and Washington West from 2005. Throughout her parliamentary career, she has been known for her work on education and children’s issues.
Sharon’s proudest achievements as an MP include helping local activists lead the successful campaign to stop the building of a gasification plant in Hillthorn Park near Sulgrave, which after years of campaigning was eventually halted in 2020; and the successful passing of a Private Members’ Bill into law. She successfully introduced the Special Educational Needs (Information) Act 2008, a rare achievement for a backbench MP.
In April 2021, Sharon was appointed to be Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of HM Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer MP. She currently serves as Chairman of the House of Commons Finance Committee, overseeing parliamentary budgets and expenditure.
Investigation Continues
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 12.20am today (11 September), we were alerted to a fire at a premises on Woodland Terrace in the Washington area.” The arrested man remains in custody as investigations continue.
Local resident John Foster, who works in a nearby building, told reporters: “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.”
Another local resident commented: “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.”
Growing Security Concerns for Democratic Process
The attack highlights broader concerns about the security of democratic institutions in the UK. Home Secretary James Cleverly said no MP should have to accept that harassment is ‘part of the job’. Earlier this year, the government announced a £31m package of measures designed to boost MPs’ security as well as protect democratic processes more broadly.
A new report from the Electoral Commission has found that more than half of candidates in the 2024 general election endured some form of abuse, intimidation, or harassment. A similar proportion of these candidates skipped campaign activities altogether due to fear of abuse.
Councillor Phil Tye, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, offered support to those affected: “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.”
As the investigation continues, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threats facing elected representatives and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect democratic participation. Ms Hodgson’s office has confirmed that constituent services will continue, with residents encouraged to contact the office via email as normal.
The incident underscores the delicate balance between maintaining accessible democracy and ensuring the safety of those who serve in public office, a challenge that appears to be growing more complex with each passing year.
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