British Police Probe Islamist Extremist Links in MP’s Killing

Police searched two sites Saturday as they sought possible evidence in the killing of a long-serving British lawmaker from the Conservative Party who died after being stabbed multiple times.

David Amess, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked Friday while meeting with constituents in a church building in his home district, about 40 miles east of London.

Police said that a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody. A knife was recovered at the scene.

Authorities say they are treating the killing as terrorism — potentially motivated by Islamist extremism. Police did not reveal the man’s identity. News reports in Britain describe the suspect as a British national of possible Somali heritage.

The suspect was not on a terrorism watch list, authorities said. No group has come forward claiming responsibility for inspiring or directing the attack.

Early Saturday, the counterterrorism division of London’s Metropolitan Police force formally declared the incident an act of terrorism. “The early investigation has revealed a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism,” a police statement said, adding that police believe the man acted alone.