By John Ikani
Counter-Terrorism Police in the United Kingdom have formally declared the fatal stabbing of British Lawmaker, David Amess an act of terrorism.
Amess, 69, from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party, was knifed repeatedly in the attack at about midday in the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, east of London.
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 statement from the Metropolitan Police, “the early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism,” overnight.
Authorities said they believed the suspect acted alone and they are “not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this time.” Inquiries into the circumstances continue, however, the statement added.
See the full statement below:
“The fatal stabbing in Leigh-on-Sea has tonight been declared as a terrorist incident, with the investigation being led by Counter Terrorism Policing.
The investigation is being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command who are working closely with colleagues from the Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Essex Police.
Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon formally declared the incident as terrorism. The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism.
Essex Police responded to an incident at an address in Eastwood Road North, Essex, shortly after 12:05hrs on Friday, 15 October.
At the scene, officers found a man with multiple stab wounds. He was given emergency medical treatment by emergency services, but sadly died at the scene.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, the man was identified as Sir David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West. Specialist officers are supporting his family.
A 25-year-old British man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody at a police station in Essex.
As part of the investigation, officers are currently carrying out searches at two addresses in the London area and these are ongoing.
It is believed that he acted alone, and we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this time. However, enquiries into the circumstances continue.
Detectives would urge any witnesses or anyone with information about this incident to contact police.”
