Hundreds attend candlelit vigil for MP Sir David Amess as terror suspect detained

16 October 2021, 20:25 | Updated: 16 October 2021, 22:21

People during a candlelight vigil at Belfairs Recreation Ground near to Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess died after he was stabbed several times.
People during a candlelight vigil at Belfairs Recreation Ground near to Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess died after he was stabbed several times. Picture: Alamy

By Sophie Barnett

Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelit vigil in memory of MP Sir David Amess, who was fatally stabbed while meeting constituents in Essex.

The vigil drew crowds carrying lanterns and candles at Belfairs sports ground in Leigh-on-Sea on Saturday evening, to honour the MP who was stabbed to death on Friday.

It comes as the Met Police confirmed detectives had further detained the 25-year-old suspect - understood to be named Ali Harbi Ali - under the Terrorism Act.

He can now be held until October 22.

Sir David, who had five children, was killed in the tragic attack at Belfairs Methodist Church on Friday afternoon.

Read more: Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer leave flowers to Sir David Amess after 'terror incident'

Read more: Tributes left to Tory MP Sir David Amess as police declare terror incident

At the vigil, Southend councillor Alan Dear addressed those gathered in a circle around dozens of glowing candles on the grass.

"For me, and I know for all of you because you're here, it's been a terrible 24 hours for all of us," he said.

He went on: "For me, (Sir David) was a good friend, and I know he was a good friend to all of you here.

"He spent 40 years of his life caring for the constituents of Basildon and Southend.

"He was a very kind, loving, gentle man.

"A gentleman and a gentle man."

Attacks on MPs cannot be 'accepted' like violence against women

Mr Dear added that Sir Davis was a person he will "never forget" as he addressed the crowd on Saturday.

He invited people to join him in a minute's silence, which was followed by rounds of spontaneous applause.

The vigil was held just hours after Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer, Priti Patel and the speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, laid flowers at the scene of Sir David's murder.

Their tributes joined scores of messages left for the MP, who served since 1983.

Read more: Stop face-to-face meetings with voters until security review complete, MP requests

Crowds gather to mourn the death of MP Sir David Amess.
Crowds gather to mourn the death of MP Sir David Amess. Picture: Alamy

A message from Sir David's cousins, left with floral tributes near Belfairs Methodist Church, said: "RIP David. Thinking of your lovely family. Can't believe this has actually happened. Will always love you. Cousins Moira and Pat."

A further family message, from second cousins, said: "I am so sad to hear the news of this brutal attack. You was a great man, husband, father and member of our family. You will be missed. Rest in peace."

It is understood that Labour will not be standing a candidate in the Southend West by-election following the death of the Tory MP.

People gathered at a vigil in Leigh-on-Sea for murdered MP Sir David Amess.
People gathered at a vigil in Leigh-on-Sea for murdered MP Sir David Amess. Picture: Alamy

The party is set to follow the principle established after Jo Cox's murder in 2016, when the major parties declined to select candidates in the subsequent Batley and Spen by-election.

As a result, it is understood Labour will not contest the by-election to find a successor to murdered Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

The Liberal Democrats have also confirmed they will not fight for the seat when a date is set.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

US President Donald Trump speaks from the Oval Office of the White House

Trump told hold talks with Putin on Tuesday as White House pushes for end to Ukraine war

Technology firms must tackle illegal content on their platforms under new rules, but there are concerns that the changes are too weak.

New Ofcom powers for online safety come into force as charities warn of 'major gaps' in legislation

The rebels on Sunday claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone.

US fights off Houthi drone attacks on aircraft carrier after Trump ramps up strikes on Yemen

Jack Draper of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark to win the Men's Singles Final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025

Britain’s Jack Draper wins Indian Wells Open after beating Holger Rune in biggest title of his career

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

20 arrested including government officials after 59 killed in North Macedonia night club fire

Alton Towers' latest attraction, Toxicator, was forced to close on its opening day after a burst pipe caused a leak of brown liquid.

‘Nightmare day’ - New Alton Towers attraction ‘Toxicator’ forced to close on opening day after burst pipe

People sit on deckchairs on brown-coloured dry grass, in the sunshine in Hyde Park in central London

Parts of UK to be hotter than Ibiza and Corfu next week as first day of spring looms

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final match between Liverpool vs Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, London.

Newcastle crowned Carabao Cup winners, taking home first major trophy in 70 years

Kanye West, left, and Kim Kardashian attend the WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards on Nov. 6, 2019, in New York.

‘You’re going to have to kill me’ - Kanye leaks chilling texts with Kim after involving daughter in Diddy scandal

Pilot Mike Beaton was sacked for snorting cocaine off a passengers breasts in 2023.

British Airways pilot back in the skies after snorting drugs off woman's breasts before flight

Iran has denied backing Yemen's Houthis after the US launched airstrikes in the country's capital and Donald Trump promised to 'hold Iran accountable' for allegedly supporting the rebels.

Iran denies aiding Houthi rebels after US strikes Yemen and Trump threatens to hold Tehran 'fully accountable'

MP Rosie Duffield claimed she was 'single-handedly bullied' out of the Labour party by 'millionaire barrister' Sir Keir Starmer.

Former Labour MP claims she was 'bullied out of the party' by 'millionaire' Starmer amid 'anti-sleaze' row

Pope Francesco greets the faithful in St. Peter's Square.

Pope facing 'period of trial' as Pontif issues Sunday prayer from hospital

Former advisor to President Putin told LBC ‘Ukrainians will be thankful after we liberate them'.

Putin ally suggests Ukrainians should be 'thankful' nation is being 'bombed to bits'

A firefighter inspects a nightclub after a massive fire in the town of Kocani, North Macedonia, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)

Arrest warrants issued for four people as North Macedonia nightclub fire death toll rises to 59

Newcombe Road, Coventry.

One man dead and another left with 'potentially life-changing facial injuries' following Coventry double stabbing