Sir David Amess killing declared terrorist incident
The investigation is being led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command
Last updated 24th May 2022
The fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess in Leigh-on-Sea, is being treated as a terrorist incident, police have confirmed.
The 69-year-old father-of-five was attacked as he met with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church at around midday yesterday (15 October).
The investigation is being led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command and the early investigation has revealed "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism", the force said.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody an Essex police station - detectives aren't looking for anyone else in connection with stabbing.
The Met has also said officers are carrying out searches at two addresses in the London area as part of their investigation.
Anyone with any information into what happened in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea yesterday should call 0800 789 321.
Meanwhile, the Home Secretary and Witham MP Priti Patel has called for all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs 'with immediate effect'.
The Father of the House, Sir Peter Bottomley said:
"The death of Sir David Amess is of great heartbreak.
"As I walked out of the House of Commons, having heard of the terrible news of my friend's killing, I walked past the memorial to PC Keith Palmer.
"On the Labour side of the Commons Chamber is a memorial to Jo Cox, fatally attacked during the referendum. There are similar memorials to Conservative MPs killed by the IRA during The Troubles. I have known each of them personally. Each is of immeasurable grief.
"Airey Neave, Rev. Robert Bradford, Sir Anthony Berry and Ian Gow. Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. We remember their service, their dedication and what they brought to our nation.
"We should not forget the Liberal MP's caseworker, Andy Pennington, who was fatally injured too.
"I expect that hundreds of MPs will continue to have constituent advice sessions this weekend, next weekend, and on into the future. Mine certainly will.
"This shouldn't happen but it has happened.
"People need to be vigilant and diligent. If the question is asked: should MPs have better protection, our answer would be that we come in the middle of the pact. The most vulnerable are mental health workers, clergy, police, health service staff, shop keepers and public transport workers.
"They expect to go on serving the public, so do we as MPs.
"As we continue to do our duties, we may need to be careful.
"We go on doing our duty."