Investigation launched after incident at Washington and Gateshead South MP's offices
An investigation's been launched after an incident at a North East Labour MP's office
Last updated 11th Sep 2025
An investigation's been launched after an incident at a North East Labour MP's office
We're told it happened last night at Vermont House in Washington.
Pictures of the MP for Washington and Gateshead South Sharon Hodgson's office appeared to show the building damaged by a blaze.
It also showed graffiti which read: "328 days blood on your hands."
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."
A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service 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 00:12, 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.”
Chief Fire Officer, Peter Heath, said: "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, 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."