UPDATE 2 - Counterterror police leading probe into UK lawmaker's murder

UPDATES WITH DETAILS ABOUT INVESTIGATION; ADDS COMMENTS FROM POLITICIANS; REVISES INTRO, HEADLINE, DECK

By Karim El-Bar and Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) – A counterterrorism team will lead the investigation into the murder of British lawmaker David Amess, who died after being stabbed multiple times while meeting constituents, police confirmed on Friday.

Amess, 69, who was from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party, was attacked by a man at a constituency meeting in Essex.

Police said Amess was treated by emergency services but died at the scene, and that a 25-year-old man was “quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.”

“The investigation is in the very early stages and is being led by officers from the Metropolitan Police's specialist counterterror command,” said Ben-Julian Harrington, chief constable of Essex Police.

“We made it clear at the time of the incident that we did not believe there was any immediate threat to anyone else in the area. It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this may have been a terrorist incident. As always they will keep an open mind.”

Amess had been a lawmaker since 1983 for the Basildon and Southend West constituencies.

- ‘Fine public servant and a lovely man’

Prime Minister Johnson led tributes for Amess, saying his heart was filled with “shock” and “sadness.”

He hailed Amess as one of the “most gentle” and “kindest” people in British politics “who believed passionately in this country and its future.”

“We've lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague,” said Johnson.

Flags at both the British Parliament and 10 Downing Street were lowered to half-mast.

“Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP,” Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Twitter.

“He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.”

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said Amess “will be missed by many.”

“Rest In Peace Sir David. You were a champion for animal welfare, the less fortunate, and the people of Southend West. You will be missed by many,” he said on Twitter.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said “representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today.”

“In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents,” she said in a statement.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford slammed the fatal attack on Amess as a “truly despicable and horrifying act.”

“Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time,” he said.

The attack on Amess is the second such event after the 2016 murder of a Labour lawmaker.

Helen Joanne Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was stabbed and then shot to death in June 2016, a murder that shook the country and triggered a debate on politicians’ safety.

“My thoughts and love are with David’s family,” Brendan Cox, husband of the murdered Labour MP, said on Twitter.

“They are all that matter now. This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo. I hope we can do the same for David now,” he said.

Home Secretary Priti Patel remembered Amess as a “kind and loyal friend” who “served the people of Southend with endless passion, energy and integrity.”

“That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself,” she said on Twitter.

“Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country's elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends.”