A 28-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire that destroyed the constituency office of Labour MP Sharon Hodgson in Tyne and Wear. The blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the offices in Washington, also damaging a charity for rare genetic diseases and an NHS mental health service for veterans housed in the same building.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Joshua Oliver has been charged in connection with the incident. Christopher Atkinson of the CPS stated that prosecutors worked with Northumbria Police to establish sufficient evidence for a trial, deeming it in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.
Oliver, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Saturday. The CPS urged the public not to share information online that could prejudice the legal process.
A Number 10 spokesperson condemned the attack, emphasising that there is no place for such violence in society and that those involved in democratic processes must be able to work freely. Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South since 2005, said through a spokesperson that she will not be deterred and will continue to support her constituents.
Fire investigators were seen at the scene on Thursday. Graffiti reading '328 days blood on your hands' was noted on the building, though it is believed to have been there for up to a year.
