AN MP has said he is worried for his staff after his office was attacked with a “clawhammer”.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, has spoken out after the “frightening and violent” assault on his Church Road office on Wednesday.

Photographs show damage to a window and glass door, believed to have been attacked with a clawhammer.

The Argus:

It comes after The Argus reported how bulletproof glass was fitted at the office in response to concerns about safety.

Mr Kyle said: "This is a frightening, random and violent crime leaving me worried about the danger to the hard working staff whose sole role at the office is to help the community here.

“It also makes me worry what would have happened if a passer-by had become randomly involved in it too.”

Last year, extra safety measures were taken at the office as well at the home of fellow Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

The Argus:

Mr Kyle added: “I know local residents will see this as more evidence that Hove has a growing crime problem but I'd like to reassure residents that the city saw a slight decline in overall crime rates in comparison to the same period a year ago and we have a lower crime rate than surrounding areas such as Hampshire."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Two windows were damaged at the office of MP Peter Kyle in Church Road, Hove. 

"The damage was discovered at 8.45am yesterday and is believed to have happened at some point after 11pm the previous evening. 

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or anything suspicious in the area overnight is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 349 of 24/09."

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