THE killing of Tory MP Sir David Amess has been declared a terrorist incident by the Metropolitan Police.

It is the latest in a number of terror attacks which have brought horror to the streets of Britain in recent years.

Sir David, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was stabbed at his constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday afternoon.

Police officers and paramedics tried to save him but he died at the scene.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, had formally declared the incident as terrorism.

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

A 25-year-old man 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, the Met said.

The force believe the man acted alone and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the matter at this time but inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are continuing.

The investigation is being led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command who are working with the Eastern Region Specialist Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police said.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner John Dwyer said: “The news that Sir David Amess MP has died after an attack at his constituency surgery is truly shocking and incomprehensible.

“Nobody should be killed when they are just doing their job and my thoughts are with his family, friends and staff.

“An attack against an elected representative like this is an attack on our democratic way of life itself.

“Cheshire Police will continue to work with our county's MPs at this difficult time, as they carry out their duties to serve the public.”

Winsford mayor Cllr Nathan Pardoe said:” Out of respect for Sir David Amess, Cheshire West Labour has suspended all campaigning this weekend.

“Elected representatives are part of their communities and should be able to represent their constituents without fear of abuse or violence.

“We should not tolerate this behaviour in politics or any other part of society. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, constituents and staff of Sir David Amess.”