Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed multiple times at a meeting with constituents.
Here is what we know so far:
- The Southend West MP was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex at midday on Friday and died at the scene.
- Essex Police said the response of the emergency services to the incident was immediate and officers arrived at the scene within minutes.
- A 25-year-old man was arrested immediately at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
- A 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering Sir David is believed to be a British national with Somali heritage, official sources have told the PA news agency.
READ MORE: Leigh vigil held for Southend West MP Sir David Amess
- Essex Police said the investigation is being led by counter-terror officers, with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington saying: “It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident, but as always they will keep an open mind.”
- Police said a knife was recovered.
- Detectives are not looking for any other suspects.
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- Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said there will need to be a discussion in the coming days around MPs’ security and any measures to be taken.
- Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs “with immediate effect”.
READ MORE: Floral tributes left to Southend West MP Sir David
- Flags have been lowered to half-mast outside Parliament following Sir David’s death.
- Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David was “one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics”, while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May said his death was “heartbreaking”, adding: “A tragic day for our democracy.”
- A spokesman for Home Secretary Priti Patel: “This afternoon, the Home Secretary chaired a meeting of the Police, Security and Intelligence Agencies to discuss the tragic incident in Southend and the ongoing response. She also spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Home Secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course.”
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