Overview

• Prosecutors said the Crown Prosecution Service has charged 28-year-old Joshua Oliver with arson following the Washington, Tyne and Wear blaze.
• Oliver is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on September 13 as police and fire investigators continue forensic work at Vermont House.
• No injuries were reported, but the fire severely damaged the building housing Sharon Hodgson’s constituency office, with part of the roof destroyed.
• Graffiti reading “328 days blood on your hands” was visible on the site, and local reports noted prior incidents targeting the premises, including a brick thrown last week.
• Niemann-Pick UK’s offices were wrecked and CNTW NHS’s Op Courage service shifted appointments and is preparing a temporary base, while officials condemned the attack and the CPS urged caution to avoid prejudicing proceedings.