An MP's constituency office has been targeted by arsonists overnight, prompting police to launch an investigation.
The office of Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, Sharon Hodgson, was hit by a suspected arson attack.
Graffiti was also 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.
The MP's office was set alight overnight | Ian Lavery MPA spokesman for Ms Hodgson, who has been an MP continuously 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 that 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."
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The fire gutted the MP's office
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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."
Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery said: "Sharon Hodgson is one of the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever meet.
"She has served her community with dedication and care for nearly two decades. This attack is not just criminal, it is an outrageous assault on our democracy.
"I speak from personal experience when I say that half-truths, outright lies, and malicious smears have real consequences.
"It’s no surprise that something like this has happened. People need to wake up and recognise what is going on. If this continues unchecked, someone is going to be killed."
A spokesman for Washington and Gateshead South MP Sharon Hodgson said there was 'no place for this kind of violence'
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One local resident said: "There are surely more democratic ways to protest about things.
"Other businesses look like they have also been affected. It’s difficult enough for local businesses at the moment without this."
A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service told GB News: “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.
"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."
Fire broke out at the Washington office
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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."
The graffiti on the wall of the constituency office
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A Northumbria Police spokesman told GB News: "Shortly after 12.20am today (Thursday), we were alerted to a fire at a premises on Woodland Terrace in the Washington area. Emergency services attended and no-one is reported to have been injured in the incident.
"A man in his 20s has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson. He remains in police custody at this time.
"Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report pages on the Force website.
"For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101. Please quote reference NP-20250911-0007."