An MP’s constituency office has been targeted by arsonists overnight as a police investigation has been launched.

The office of Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South Sharon Hodgson was hit by a suspected arson attack.

Graffiti was written on the side of the building reading: “328 days blood on your hands.”

There is currently a significant police and Fire Brigade presence at the site as investigations take place.

A spokesman for Hodgson, who has been an MP continually since 2005, 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.”

John Foster, who works in a building nearby, told the Sunderland Echo: “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.”

More to follow…