The fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess has tonight been declared as a terrorist incident

Essex Police responded to an incident at Belfairs Methodist Church, Southend on sea, Essex, shortly after 12midday on Friday, 15 October.

At the scene, officers found 69-year-old Sir David Amess had been stabbed multiple times. Emergency medical treatment was given, but sadly died at the scene.

A 25-year-old British man with Somali heritage has been arrested 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.

The Telegraph and others including The Sun focused on the terrorism investigation. The Mail splashed with “Terror Police Probe Tory MP Murder”, calling the crime “another assault on democracy”.

The last time an MP was killed was in 2016, Labour MP Jo Cox just before the Brexit referendum. Also whilst holding a surgery in her constituency.  Amess, who had represented Southend West since 1997, and had previously been the MP for the nearby Essex seat of Basildon from 1983, was stabbed several times at the constituency event at a church in Leigh-on-Sea late on Friday morning.

A police spokesperson said: “In light of yesterday’s tragic attack every MP will be contacted individually by Op Bridger representatives in their local force to discuss their security arrangements, and to ensure they are aware of all advice pertaining to their personal safety and security.

“They will also speak to MPs about security arrangements for any events they are planning to attend in the coming days, so the appropriate advice can be provided.

“We encourage MPs to immediately report any security concerns to their local police force in order to keep themselves, their staff and members of the public attending surgeries safe.