Mike Freer: Two charged with arson over fire at MP's office

The fire broke out at about 19:00 GMT on Christmas Eve

Two people have been charged with arson in connection with a fire at the constituency office of MP Mike Freer.

The fire broke out in a shed behind the North Finchley and Golders Green MP's constituency office, at about 19:00 GMT on Christmas Eve.

Paul Harwood, 42, and Zara Kasory, 32, are accused of arson with intent over the fire and in connection with another blaze at the rear of a restaurant in North Finchley on the same night.

Both are due before magistrates later.

The Met Police said the fire at Mr Freer's office, on Ballards Lane, is not being treated as a hate crime. There were no reported injuries in the blaze, or at the one at the restaurant on Long Lane, which is about half a mile from the constituency office.

The fire spread from the shed to the main constituency building

An London Fire Brigade spokesperson said at the time that the shed was destroyed, while part of the first, second and third floors of the property were damaged.

Conservative MP Mr Freer has represented the north London constituency since 2010.

He is parliamentary under-secretary of state for courts and legal services, a junior role in the Ministry of Justice.

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