Family of Sir David Amess left "absolutely broken" by his murder
The family of the Southend West MP have issue a statement following his death.
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
The family of murdered Sir David Amess have urged people to be tolerant and “set aside hatred” as counter-terrorism officers investigate the Conservative MP’s killing.
In a statement released through the Metropolitan Police, Sir David’s family said they are “absolutely broken” after he was attacked while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Friday.
Paying tribute to the MP, who was married with four daughters and a son, the family said: “Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace.
“So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.
“Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.
“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred.
"Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.”
Tributes have flooded in from parliamentarians from across the political spectrum as well as constituents, and the family said these had given them “strength”.
“The family would like to thank everyone for the wonderful, wonderful tributes paid to David following his cruel and violent death. It truly has brought us so much comfort,” they said.
“The support shown by friends, constituents and the general public alike has been so overwhelming.”
A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Sir David’s murder and remains in police custody.
He has been detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and a warrant of further detention, which allows detectives to hold the suspect until October 22, was granted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
The Met earlier said its investigation had “revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”.
Officers have searched addresses in London thought to be linked to the counter-terrorism investigation.
Two police constables were seen guarding a property in Lady Somerset Road, Kentish Town, north London, throughout Saturday as officers set up a forensic tent and later carried several large bags earlier on Sunday.
A third address in Bounds Green Road, north London, was also visited by police on Sunday.
Earlier on Sunday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said police protection for MPs at constituency meetings is among the options being considered in the wake of Sir David’s death, which came little more than five years after the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox, was murdered on her way to a constituency surgery.
She said a “whole spectrum” of measures was being considered to address safety concerns in the wake of the killing.
Sir David’s family urged the public to support Sir David’s causes, including a campaign to make Southend-on-Sea a city and establish a memorial to the late entertainer Dame Vera Lynn.
The statement came shortly after dozens of mourners attended a special church service in memory of Sir David on Sunday evening.
Residents gathered at St Michael’s and All Angels church, opposite the late Southend West MP’s constituency office in Leigh-on-Sea, to pay their respects and share their memories of Sir David.
Mark Churchward, who spoke on behalf of a network of Southend church leaders, described Sir David, a devout Catholic, as “a man of honour, a man of compassion and a man of faith”, who dealt with everyone respectfully.