The constituency office of pro-Israel Labour MP Sharon Hodgson was damaged in a suspected arson attack in Washington, Tyne and Wear, with graffiti referencing Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
A suspected arson attack targeted the constituency office of UK Labour MP Sharon Hodgson, a member of Labour Friends of Israel, in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Northumbria Police confirmed that a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
The blaze broke out just after midnight at Vermont House in Washington, Tyne and Wear, which houses Hodgson’s Washington and Gateshead South office. Fire crews arrived around 12:10 a.m. and battled the flames for several hours before bringing them under control. No injuries were reported.
Spray-painted graffiti on the side of the building read:
“328 days blood on your hands.”
The cryptic message is believed to reference October 17, 2024 — the date Israel announced the assassination of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
A spokesperson for Hodgson condemned the violence:
“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.”
Chief Fire Officer Peter Heath praised the swift response of emergency crews, while local officials urged residents to assist police with any information.
In Parliament, Labour MP Andy McDonald expressed solidarity, saying the “whole House” sends support to Hodgson and her staff. Government ministers also raised concerns about the safety of elected officials.
The attack follows a similar December 2023 arson at the office of then-Conservative MP Mike Freer, another vocal supporter of Israel, whose Finchley and Golders Green office was heavily damaged on Christmas Eve. Freer later revealed he had received death threats linked to his pro-Israel stance, insisting he would not be silenced.
With two pro-Israel MPs now targeted within a year, Thursday’s attack underscores growing alarm about political intimidation, extremism, and the security of UK lawmakers.
