Police declare British Conservative MP’s fatal stabbing as a “terrorist incident”

The British police have described the death of British Conservative MP David Amess, who was stabbed to death outside the Essex Church, as a “terrorist incident”.

The Metropolitan Police, whose counter-terrorism unit is leading the investigation into the incident, said in a statement early Saturday that an initial investigation has uncovered “possible motivations related to Islamist extremism”.

“As part of the investigation, officials are currently conducting searches at two addresses in the London area that are still ongoing,” the police quoted the police as saying, adding that the suspect in custody is believed to have acted alone.

A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was seized.

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Essex Police said officials responded “within minutes” to reports of the stabbing shortly after 12:05 pm (1105 GMT) and found that Amess had “sustained multiple injuries.”

“This was a difficult incident, but our officers and paramedics at the East of England Ambulance Service worked extremely hard to save Sir David,” Essex Police Chief Ben-Julian Harrington told reporters.

“Tragically, he died on the scene.”

Regard

As the father of five, first elected to parliament in 1983, Amess was remembered with an impromptu evening mass as honors poured in from across the political spectrum and from around the world. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth for public service in 2015.

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The murder has shocked the UK.

Flags were lowered to half mast in Westminster as tribute was paid to Amess, who died five years after the right-wing extremist Labor MP Jo Cox was assassinated.

“David was a man who believed passionately in this country and its future, and we lost a good official and a very beloved friend and colleague today,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who rushed to London after returning from the west of England the news broke.

In Amess’ last post to the House of Commons last month, he called for a debate on animal welfare.

Residents left flowers next to the church with a tribute: “David Amess RIP Such a gentleman.”

(With contributions from agencies)