Fatal knife attack on British lawmaker David Amess declared a terrorist incident

The fatal knife attack on British MP David Amess has been classified as a terrorist incident, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Police said the investigation into Friday’s murder in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was being led by counter-terrorism police.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said senior national counter-terrorism co-ordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, had officially classified the incident as terrorism.

The initial investigation revealed “a potential motivation related to Islamist extremism,” police officials said.

Amess, the MP for Southend West who had served since 1983, was a member of the Conservative Party. He died on Friday after being stabbed multiple times during a meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

A 25-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder is currently in custody at an Essex police station.

As part of the investigation, officers are currently carrying out searches at two addresses in the London area, police said.

Officers believe the man acted alone and are not currently looking for anyone in connection with the matter. However, investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the tribute to one of the “kindest, kindest and gentlest people in politics.” The 69-year-old was married and had five children.

Amess is the second British MP to be killed in just over five years. In 2016, Labor MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed by a far-right supporter in her constituency.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.