Counter terror probe into MP’S killer
Urgent security review after Sir David Amess is stabbed to death at constituency surgery
THE Home Secretary last night ordered an urgent review of MPS’ security after Sir David Amess, one of the country’s most respected parliamentarians, was stabbed to death as he met constituents at his regular Friday surgery in a Baptist church in Leigh-on-sea.
A 25-year-old British national of Somali origin, who had allegedly been lying in wait for him, was last night being questioned on suspicion of murder after he was arrested at the scene.
Counter-terror police are leading the investigation and detectives said they were maintaining an “open mind” as to the motive for the attack.
However, The Daily Telegraph understands that Essex Police have also asked for permission to access Sir David’s parliamentary case work as part of the investigation in order to see if anything he had been working on recently might explain the tragedy.
Detectives were also looking to establish if the attacker had any links with Islamist groups or if he had any record of mental illness.
Boris Johnson led tributes to his fallen colleague, describing him as one of the “kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics”. The Prime Minister added that he and his Cabinet had been left “heart-stricken” by the news.
Sir David, who was married with four daughters and a son, is the fourth MP to be attacked recently while attending to constituency duties. His death comes five years after Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was murdered by a Right-wing extremist.
Hours after Sir David was killed, Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, chaired a meeting with police chiefs and security and intelligence agencies to discuss the attack. She said she was “devastated” by the loss of Sir David, who she described as a “kind and loyal friend”.
“That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself.”
Ms Patel subsequently asked all police forces to review their security arrangements for MPS with immediate effect. The review will look at Operation Bridger, which was set up in 2016 to provide security and advice to MPS after a number of threats were made following parliamentary debates on Syria.
The review leaves open the prospect that MPS could be provided with police guards whenever they meet their constituents in future.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, cautioned against any “knee-jerk reaction” and said it was vital for democracy that MPS remain able to meet their constituents.
He said: “It is a tragedy that should never have happened. This is somebody who is carrying out his duty on behalf of his constituents. This should never happen. What we can’t do is give in to these people, people who don’t believe in our values, don’t believe in what we do.”
Despite the sense of shock and grief across Westminster, the Father of the House Sir Peter Bottomley said MPS would want to continue to meet their constituents in person.
“I predict all over the country this weekend, next weekend and in the months to come, MPS will hold advice sessions. That is what we do. When there is a challenge we have to face it.”
Sir David had published the details of yesterday’s constituency surgery on his Twitter profile, with the full address and a picture of the church. The tweet was pinned to the top of his profile, where it had last night received more than 750 likes and more than 500 retweets.
Last night, the Conservatives, Labour
‘That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words’
and the SNP confirmed they would be suspending all political campaigning out of respect for Sir David.
Government sources also confirmed that the schedule for Parliament returning on Monday from recess was now likely to be cleared in order for MPS to pay tribute to Sir David.
Sir David had been attending his regular Friday constituency surgery, which takes place between 10am and 1pm at the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leighon-sea, when the attack took place. It is understood the attacker had been waiting inside the church and stabbed the Southend West MP in a frenzied attack just before midday. Sources told The Telegraph he was stabbed up to 17 times.
A member of Sir David’s team fled outside and immediately dialled 999 telling the emergency services “Someone has been stabbed. Please get here soon. He is not breathing.”
Paramedics and armed police arrived at the scene within minutes and sealed off the area. While paramedics began trying to save Sir David’s life, the attacker was arrested, handcuffed and led away by armed police.
A witness described the suspect as appearing calm and compliant as he was led away. It is understood he was not shouting any Islamist slogans during the incident and it was thought the attack came without warning.
It is understood Sir David’s surgeries have been disrupted in the past by a
number of protests about a range of issues. It is unclear whether the police were ever informed about any incidents or threats arising from the demonstrations.
Sir David, who was first elected to the House of Commons in 1983, was hugely respected by his colleagues and tributes from all sides of the political spectrum poured in last night.
David Cameron, the former prime minister, said: “David Amess was a kind and thoroughly decent man – and he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet.”
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, said: “This is a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before.”
Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, said: “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”
Nadine Dorries, the Culture Secretary, said: “He was the greatest amongst all in Westminster, there only to serve his beloved constituency.” Tony Blair, the former Labour prime minister, said: “Though on opposite political sides I always found him a courteous, decent and thoroughly likeable colleague who was respected across the House.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote on Twitter: “We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W & C”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said: “The murder of an MP, in the course of caring for their constituents, is a deep blow to this country, its citizens and everyone who desires a peaceful and flourishing democracy.”
Essex Police last night continued to appeal for anyone who might have been in the area at the time of the attack to come forward.
Chief Constable Ben-julian Harrington said: “Here at Essex Police, officers right across our force, and particularly in Southend, have enjoyed a long-standing and positive working relationship with Sir David.”
Sir David’s main interests and areas of expertise were “animal welfare and prolife” issues. A devout Catholic, he was also an anti-abortion activist and voted against gay rights. Local councillor John Lamb said he was “always trying to help people and especially refugees”.
Sir David married Julia Arnold in Westminster in 1983 and she worked for him as a part-time case worker. It is not known if Julia was at the surgery yesterday.
They have a son, David, 37, and their elder daughter, Katie Amess, 36, is an actress who in 2013 produced a film in support of gay rights.
The MP reportedly gave his 31-yearold daughter Alex away at her wedding just weeks ago.
The couple’s other daughters are Sarah Amess, 33, and Florence Braddy, 30, an athlete who lives in South Carolina.