An MP whose office was targeted in a suspected arson attack on Christmas Eve has revealed he wears a stab vests when attending public events.

Conservative MP Mike Freer, who has represented the Finchley and Golders Green constituency since 2010, speculated that the fire in the shed of his office on Christmas Eve (December 24) may have been linked to the Israel Hamas war in Gaza.

Emergency services were called to the MP's office in Ballards Lane, Finchley, at 7.06pm.

There were no reports of any injuries and the fire was put out.

Following the blaze, Mr Freer told Sky News that he has been wearing a stab vest whenever he attends public events, ever since the MP for Southend West Sir David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021.

He said: "Sadly it's becoming part of the job, and it shouldn't be.

"Too many MPs have had to cope with physical threats and sadly we've seen several of my colleagues lose their lives."

Mr Freer continued: "It is difficult to take it in your stride, but it is a fundamental part of our democracy that MPs are accessible to our constituents and I wouldn't want that to change.

"Unfortunately, that goes with risks these days. I personally, like some of my other colleagues, wear stab vests if I do public events and sadly that is par for the course these days.

"And it shouldn't be, but the accessibility of MPs is a fundamental part of our British democratic traditions."

The Metropolitan Police say the fire is still being treated as arson and despite officers carrying a “number of enquiries” – including analysing CCTV footage – no arrests have been made.

The force was asked whether it could reveal the suspected motive behind the attack, however a spokesperson said investigations continue.

However the MP has said he suspects this could be linked to protesters regarding the Israel and Palestine conflict, claiming there has been “many instances” in the past where he was attacked because of his views on the Middle East.

He said: "It's not an unknown incident in Golders Green. When something flares in the Middle East, the level of attacks in my local area do go up.

"We'll have to let the police do their jobs and find out what the exact motives were."

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or contact @MetCC on ‘X’ and quote CAD4971/24Dec. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.