A Senedd member has been left horrified after a large rock was put through the windows at her constituency office in Newport. Police confirmed that a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later admitted responsibility, with the matter resolved through a community resolution.
Incident at Newport Office
Conservative MS for Casnewydd Islwyn Natasha Asghar arrived at her constituency office on Serpentine Road in Newport on Thursday to find shattered glass covering the floor and a large rock. In a video shared on social media, the politician described herself as 'shocked and horrified' by what she saw.
Ms Asghar, who made history in 2021 as the first woman of colour elected to the Senedd, stated that despite the 'incredibly concerning' nature of the incident, she would not be deterred from her work by acts of intimidation. She said: 'It's incidents like this that put people off joining politics and from doing their job, but I'm here to tell you that regardless of this stone or any difficulties and hardship that come across my way, I will carry on doing the job that I love and that I do day in, day out.'
Police Response and Investigation
Gwent Police received a report of criminal damage at around 11:55 PM on Wednesday, July 15. Officers attended the scene after reports that a window at the property had been damaged. A 47-year-old man from Newport was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later released under investigation. He subsequently admitted responsibility and received a community resolution. The force added that the incident is not being viewed as politically motivated.
Ms Asghar expressed gratitude that no one was in the office at the time of the incident. She praised the response from the Senedd security team and Gwent Police, saying: 'The response from the Senedd security team and Gwent Police has been amazing and I understand an individual has been arrested in relation to this offence.' She added: 'Believe me when I say, incidents like these will not stop me from doing the job that I absolutely love, but with everything that has happened nationally recently, we all need to be extra vigilant and able to feel safe in our communities.'
Broader Context of Politician Safety
The incident comes amid renewed discussion about the safety of elected representatives in the UK, following the suspected murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. Counter-terrorism police are investigating after Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Devon last week, believed to be a 'targeted attack'. A man arrested on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences remains in police custody. The case has led to increased calls from politicians across all parties for better protection and security measures to ensure their safety.
