Tory MP suspects ‘politically motivated’ arson attack
A Tory MP has revealed that he is shocked by what he believes was a politically motivated attack on his party headquarters last Friday.
Andrew Rosindell’s office in Western Road, Romford, was gutted by fire early on Friday morning and police are now treating the incident as suspicious.
The fire was followed within minutes by a separate attack on the business of a prominent Conservative councillor and marks the latest in a series of attacks on Tory party premises in the area in recent months.
Officers investigating the fire believe petrol was used and Mr Rosindell has stated that he suspects he was the victim of a “despicable” attack aimed at the Conservative Party.
The MP told BBC Radio Essex he was contacted by police just after 0200 GMT on Friday. He explained that he believed there was “some political motivation” behind the attack and said he was “appalled” by the incident.
“Someone is deliberately targeting the Conservatives in this area. These two attacks seem to be linked, and I think that the person behind them is politically motivated and suffering from some sort of mental problem,” he said.
A police spokesman added: “There are signs that petrol or another accelerant was poured onto the floor after the window was smashed and set alight.
“This was clearly a dangerous attack but inquiries are at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind.”
The far right politician has courted controversy with his outspoken views on issues such as asylum seekers, the death penalty, firearms ownership and the EU. He was promoted to the post of party vice-chairman earlier this month.
During the 2001 election Mr Rosindell became a well-known figure for his populist campaigning, featuring his Union Jack-clad bull terrier Spike. He won his seat on a major swing to the Conservatives.
