Counter-terror police lead investigation into Southend West MP's death

The investigation into the fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess is being led by counter-terror officers, Essex Police have said.

Chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington said the 69-year-old Southend West MP was "simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short".

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the attack at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea near Southend at midday on Friday and remains in custody.

Mr Harrington said "it will be for investigators to determine whether this is a terrorist incident", adding they will be "keeping an open mind" over the motive.

Tory veteran Sir David had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.

Meanwhile, around 80 people have attended the service in memory of Sir David.

Father Woolnough told the service: "Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was always that happy smile.

"He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they're at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.

"He invited myself to a wonderful evening at the House of Commons to have a look around it in the evening, to go into the gallery and listen to a debate, and we went to a Mass and we were allowed a few minutes in the gallery. There was still enough MPs to make a noise and we had a little lad with us - this must have been four or five years ago - who said to us 'Father Jeff, why do Members of Parliament shout at each other and why are they so rude?'

"Perhaps he could be the next prime minister. We need someone across all parties who could listen, and David was that man."

Father Woolnough described the liturgy as one that he "did not expect to be leading today".

He said: "The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David."

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