Man arrested on suspicion of arson after fire and vandalism at Washington MP Sharon Hodgson's office

As well as Mrs Hodgson’s constituency office other adjoining buildings at Vermont House also appear to have sustained extensive damage following the blaze.

The incident also saw graffiti sprawled on the side of the wall of the building which a police officer confirmed stated “328 days blood on your hands”.

There was a significant police presence outside the premises in Concord, Washington, this morning (September 11) and the site was also taped off by the police.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 12.20am today (Thursday September 11), 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 us a direct message on social media or via the report pages on our website.

“For those unable to make contact via these ways, call 101 and quote reference NP-20250911-0007."

The fire was also attended by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesperson 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 (Thursday 11th September).

“The emergency call was received by our Control Room at 00:12am, 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.

"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, Chair of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, has also sent a message to staff, including Mrs Hodgson, who work at Vermont House.

He 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.

“We remain committed to supporting our communities and partners."

Following the suspected attack, Washington MP Mrs Hodgson has vowed she will “not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents in Washington and Gateshead South as she does day in, day out”.