Two people charged over suspected arson at Tory MP’s office
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Two people have been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack at the constituency office of Mike Freer, the Conservative MP.
Firefighters were called to the office of the Finchley and Golders Green MP just after 7pm on Christmas Eve to reports that a shed was on fire.
While nobody was hurt in the incident there were concerns among the large Jewish population in the area that the incident could be connected to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
But the Metropolitan Police said a man and woman had now been charged with arson with intent however the matter was not being treated as a hate crime.
Paul Harwood, 42, and Zara Kasory, 32, both of no fixed address, were arrested on Wednesday and are due to appear before Willesden magistrates’ court.
They have also been charged with a further count of arson without intent, in relation to a fire behind a restaurant in Long Lane in Finchley at around 11pm on Christmas Eve.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police are aware of widespread reporting and concern in the community and can confirm the incident involving Mr Freer’s office is not being treated as a hate crime. Mr Freer has been informed.”
