British lawmaker's stabbing death declared a terrorist attack

LEIGH-ON-SEA — British Conservative lawmaker David Amess died in a terrorist attack Friday.

"The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism," Metro Police said.

Amess was holding a meeting with constituents at a church when authorities say a 25-year-old British man stabbed the lawmaker.

Essex Police say the man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the stabbing that occurred in Leigh-on-Sea, which is on the eastern coast of England.

Police say they found Amess injured Friday when they were called to the scene at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North.

“He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene,” wrote police.

Nick Ansell/AP

Officers say they quickly arrested the suspect. They believe he acted alone.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident,” said police.

The department is now asking anyone who saw anything or has footage of the incident to contact them.

“If you have any information, you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm,” wrote the department. “Please quote incident 445 of 15 October. You can also call us on 101 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”