Sir David Amess live updates: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Conservative MP stabbed to death

We (me, friends, family) have been following this all afternoon, Leigh on Sea near Southend (East London’s nearest seaside) being relatively local to me and the home of several friends. 
He had been an MP for constituencies (they change borders and names every few years) in South Essex for nearly 40 years. So many people are commending him as a decent constituency MP. 

From Sky News

Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea; a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident; Sky News understands the suspect walked into the surgery.

The surgery was being held in Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh on Sea. Leigh is lovely; I always fancied retiring there. Westcliff and parts of Southend town centre, not so much these days. 

A local Conservative councillor has said Sir David Amess was a very approachable MP who would “stop every hundred yards to talk to somebody”.

“He was probably one of the best constituency MPs in the country, and because he was so accessible and because he was everywhere, he obviously left himself vulnerable and didn’t think twice about it,” David Garston said. He added: “It was always very slow with Sir David but he’s paid the price for being so easily got at unfortunately and I just think it’s dreadful. The community have lost a really good MP who cared deeply for them and he’ll be a very, very hard act to follow. To find an MP like Sir David, who didn’t think about ministerial position – he wasn’t interested, he was a community man – I would say he’s irreplaceable.”

“A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea,” Essex Police said in a statement.

“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October). “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. He is currently in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

Eye witnesses told the local newspaper that they saw a man being driven away in a police car, but no description of him or who he might be was reported. Or anything he said on his way in, or as he committed the crime. Other than age. 

It is Friday; regular readers will remember Stephen Timms MP who survived a jihad attack by a constituent with a knife at one of his surgerys in Newham in 2010.  Jo Cox MP of Batley didn’t survive an attack by local man Thomas Mair the day before the Brexit vote in 2016. 
Sir David was popular locally but his consistent votes in favour of Brexit and traditional social values attracted criticism in some circles. 

The Guardian understands that counter-terrorism police are assisting the investigation into the stabbing, which continues to be led by Essex police. Senior counter-terrorism officials are monitoring the situation closely and are being updated on emerging details of the attack and the suspect. Counter-terrorism police usually will stay involved in such an investigation until a non-terrorist motive is identified.

The Guardian’s crime correspondent is now being told that counter-terrorism police are poised to take a lead in the inquiry.

I doubt the defendant will be named until his first appearance at court, which may be tomorrow or Monday. If reported his demeanour there may give an idea of his motive. I can’t imagine that it isn’t political in some way.