Labour MP forced to call police over horror sledgehammer attack hours after election win

A Labour MP has revealed his home was targeted with a sledgehammer this weekend in a terrifying attack just hours after he was re-elected to the House of Commons.

Andrew Western, the MP for Stretford and Urmston in Greater Manchester, said police were investigating the incident which took place on Saturday night.

Mr Western, who has held the seat since a 2022 by-election said intimidation and abuse of politicians was becoming 'an ever more regular occurrence'.

He added he would 'not be cowed' by the incident, which is being investigated as part of Operation Bridger, a nationwide policing programme to protect MPs.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Western said: "Last night there was an incident at my home that is being investigated by police as part of Operation Bridger."

He added: "I am absolutely fine and no one was hurt but the toxicity in our politics at present must be drawn out.

"The harassment, intimidation and abuse of politicians is not ok and is not normal. That said it is becoming an ever more regular occurrence.

"I am proud to represent the people of Stretford and Urmston and I will not be cowed as I seek to serve them to the best of my ability."

He continued: "I want to thank GMP for an excellent response and say that these idiots do not speak for our community and I will do all I can to ensure they never do."

An X user suggested it was 'probably just someone taking the mickey', to which the MP replied that 'I’ll tell you that when someone takes a sledgehammer to your property'.

He added: "Precisely the sort of response that made me think twice. Eventually people will realise what MPs are having to put up with ever more routinely."

Express.co.uk has contacted Greater Manchester Police for comment.