News

British lawmaker stabbed and killed while meeting constituents

by Sarakshi Rai - 10/15/21 10:14 AM ET

A British lawmaker who was stabbed multiple times in a meeting with his constituents Friday has died from his wounds.

David Amess, a 69-year-old member of Parliament from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ruling Conservative Party, was stabbed as he met constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, reports said. He was reportedly treated at the scene but later died.

Essex Police, without naming Amess, said a man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the fatal stabbing.

“We were called to Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm. Sadly, a man later died. A man was arrested at the scene. We are not looking for anyone else,” the police department added.

“A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered,” the police added in a statement.

Police said they recovered a knife from the scene.

Essex Police Chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington later said that the investigation would be led by counter-terrorism officers.

“It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident, but as always they will keep an open mind,” he added.

Tributes poured in for the veteran lawmaker from all across party lines after the news of his death.

“I think all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today,” Johnson said, speaking outside 10 Downing Street in London. “David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future.”

“And we’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family,” he added.

The leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, wrote on Twitter, “Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff.”