British MP David Amess’ murder declared as a terrorist incident by police

The fatal stabbing of British MP Sir David Amess in Essex on Friday has been declared as a terrorist incident by the Metropolitan Police with the investigation being led by its Terrorism Command, according to UK media reports.

“The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism,” according to a statement from Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard, CNN reported.

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Currently, the authorities believe the suspect acted alone and they are “not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this time. However, enquiries into the circumstances continue,” the statement added.  

Following the shocking incident, a 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and detectives said specialist counter-terrorism officers were leading the initial investigation, according to a Reuters report.

Amess, a member of Parliament from the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, died at the age of 69 after being stabbed while meeting constituents earlier today. According to initial reports in the British media, a man walked into the constituency surgery meeting being hosted by Amess and stabbed him a number of times. Amess was receiving treatment at the scene before he succumbed to the stab wounds.   

Reacting to his death, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to him in a statement to the BBC saying, “Sir David was “one of the most kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.”

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David Amess had been a member of Parliament for Southend West since 1997. An animal rights activist, Ammes was also well-known for his ceaseless campaign to declare Southend a city.  

His death saw politicians from across the spectrum express shock and sorrow. Carrie Johnson, wife of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and children.”