More than 100 attend vigil for Sir David Amess after MP, 69, stabbed to death in horror attack at constituency surgery
MORE than 100 people attended a vigil for Sir David Amess tonight after the MP was stabbed to death at his constituency surgery in Essex.
A service at Saint Peter’s Church in Eastwood Lane, close to where Sir David was killed, was held on Friday evening to remember him – where he was described by a priest as “Mr Southend”.
The church fell silent as Father Jeffrey Woolnaugh paid tribute to the Conservative MP and invited his constituents to remember him.
He placed a photograph of Sir David at the front of the church, and said: “This liturgy is one I was not expecting to lead today.
“The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David.”
The tragedy comes as…
- Boris Johnson leads tributes to Sir David – and said ‘our hearts are filled with shock and sadness’
- Counter-terror cops quiz a 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder
- The suspect, a British national of Somali origin, allegedly knifed the MP 17 times – and sat calmly while he waited for police to arrive
- The PM visited the scene of the horror with Sir Keir Starmer and Priti Patel to lay a wreath of white flowers
- Sir David was asked to stop meeting constituents alone after Jo Cox was murdered – and wrote that similar attacks “could happen to any of us”
- Mrs Cox’s sister says her terrified husband has asked her to step down from politics after the horror
- Priti Patel launches a review into MPs’ safety after killing
Sir David, who represents Southend West in Essex, was attacked just after midday by a 25-year-old knifeman at Belfairs Methodist Church.
Paramedics frantically battled to save the stricken MP but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Father Woolnough added: “Have you ever known Sir David without that happy smile on his face?
“The greeting he would give was always that wonderful smile.
“He died doing the thing he loved. Meeting his local constituents.”
Worshippers sat with their heads in hands, some in tears as they remembered the much-loved MP who was first elected to parliament in 1983.
Father Woolnough said Sir David was ‘old school’ bringing his east end sense of life to his approach with people, making himself open and available to everyone, whether poor or rich.
He also described the killing as a “wicked and tragic act”.
Those who attended the vigil were invited to light a candle and share their own memories of Sir David.
A lone candle placed outside the church burned as the Tory MP’s constituents remembered him.
Essex Police tonight confirmed the investigation into Sir David’s death will be lead by counter-terrorism officers.
Speaking at a press conference this evening, chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington said the force will “keep an open mind” about terrorism links.
He added: “The investigation is in its very early stages and is being lead by officers in the specialist counter terrorism command.
“It will be for specialists to determine whether this is a terrorism incident.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs “with immediate effect”, a Home Office spokesman said.
It comes after horrified constituents watched on as Sir David was killed.
The MP’s condition was not immediately known but police have now confirmed the married dad-of-five has sadly died after the attack.
He is the ninth MP to be murdered in the UK and sixth since World War Two.
And his death tragically comes just months after he begged Boris Johnson to tackle the knife crime epidemic plaguing Britain.
‘FRIEND & COLLEAGUE’
Stunned MPs from all politic spectrums have condemned the horror.
Flags have also been lowered to half mast outside Parliament and a planned interview with Boris Johnson that was due to take place today has been cancelled.
The Prime Minister tonight led tributes to the MP, describing him as a “much-loved friend and colleague”.
Mr Johnson said: “All our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom.
“David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future and we have lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague.”
Robert Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow and a friend of Sir David’s, told The Sun: “He was the embodiment of Essex man.
“He was just the most wonderful and kindest and funny and compassionate politicians that we had the lucky to know in our lifetimes.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: “The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most.
“Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones.”
‘FAMILY MAN’
Judith Cannon, deputy chair of the local conservative club and friend of Sir David told Sky: “I just don’t believe it, how anyone could harm a kind man like David, I don’t know.
“I cannot understand how anyone could be so wicked to harm this man.
“We love him dearly. Nobody is perfect but he is as near perfect as it’s possible to be.”
Councillor John Lamb described Sir David as as an “amicable” family man.
He said: “He’s a family man, he’s got four daughters and a son.
“He’s always trying to help people and especially refugees he’s tried to help. He’s a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns, he says what he believes and he sticks by it.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: “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.”
Theresa May wrote: “Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties.
“A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family.”
Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: “David Amess’s passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.
“He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.”
‘TRUE PARLIAMENTARIAN’
Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: “Awful, tragic news about David.
“A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
While Sadiq Khan said: “I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away.
“He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful.
“My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David’s loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief.”
Essex Police confirmed today a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and said they are not looking for anyone else.
The force said: “We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today.
“We attended and found a man injured.
“He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.
“A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.”
