MPs and MSPs invited to safety briefings after David Amess death

Police Scotland have invited MPs and MSPs to safety briefings “as a matter of priority” following the death of an MP.

On Friday Sir David Amess was stabbed at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on Friday.

The MP’s death is being treated as a terror incident and a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In a letter to politicians, chief constable Iain Livingstone condemned the “shocking and utterly unacceptable” attack on the MP.

He wrote: “It is vital our elected politicians are able to carry out their duties safely. You have my full support in delivering your public service.”

MPs and MSPs have been invited to hour-long virtual meetings on Thursday and Friday led by specialist officers.

Over the weekend, police issued guidance to politicians from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, with councillors also given guidance through local government body Cosla.

The letter added: “I recognise this comes at short notice, however consider it important to extend this invitation as a matter of priority.

“I hope that you are able to join the security briefings and, of course, if you have any specific personal concerns please raise them with your own Local Area Commander.”

Politicians were advised to contact 999 in an emergency if they felt under threat.