Father-of-five Sir David, 69, was knifed “multiple times” as he held his regular constituency surgery in a church.
A 25-year-old British man of Somalian origin was last night being quizzed. The attacker had reportedly left his name with one of Sir David’s surgery aides before waiting calmly to strike.
Paramedics fought for two hours to save the MP’s life but he died at the scene in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.
Security sources said the suspect was believed to be of Somalian descent. A witness said he was calm and compliant as he was led away.
Police were last night seeking to establish a motive for the attack. It is not thought that any shouts relating to terrorism were heard.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to his “much-loved colleague” ahead of a Cabinet meeting, which was then canceled out of respect.
Sir David – whose murder was called “a tragic day for our democracy” by former PM Theresa May – had been hosting a well-advertised “Meet your MP” event at Belfairs Methodist Church when he was attacked around noon.
The veteran MP stood no chance as he was stabbed “multiple times” in front of two female aides.
Armed police raced to the scene as paramedics battled to save Sir David – but despite being operated on he died in the church. Officers recovered a bloodied knife from near to where he was attacked.
The investigation will be led by counter-terrorism officers, said Essex Police Chief Constable BenJulian Harrington.
Security
He added: “It will be for investigators to decide whether this was a terrorist incident.”
This story is from the October 16, 2021 edition of Daily Express.
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This story is from the October 16, 2021 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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