LONDON – Britain’s ruling Conservative Party’s member of the parliament (MP) David Amess has died after being stabbed on Friday (Oct. 15) at a constituency meeting in Essex, a county in southeastern England, police said.
According to Sky News, Amess, who represents Southend West in Essex, was stabbed multiple times by a man who walked into his constituency meeting.
Essex Police said in a statement that a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea, a town in Essex.
“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12:05 p.m (1105 GMT),” Essex Police said.
“We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene,” said the police.
“A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered. He is currently in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident,” the statement said.
Amess, 69, has been an MP continuously since 1983. Amess was attending his constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea when he was attacked.
Tributes are being paid to Amess following the news of his death. British Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on Twitter: “Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess’ murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.”
Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.
My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him.
Let us remember him and what he did with his life.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) October 15, 2021
Amess is the first British lawmaker to be seriously attacked since the Labor politician Jo Cox was slain near her political surgery in Yorkshire in 2016. (Xinhua) – bny