Man filmed spitting on statue of murdered MP Sir David Amess
Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 13:32 · Archive
A man has been filmed spitting on a statue of murdered MP Sir David Amess in Southend, sparking condemnation.
A man calling himself 'Angry Jesus' has been filmed spitting on a statue of murdered MP Sir David Amess in Southend. The incident occurred days after the fifth anniversary of Sir David's death on October 15 2021. The video, posted on social media, showed the man spitting three times on the memorial and referencing Sir David's vote for the Iraq war.
The £48,000 bronze statue was unveiled in 2024 and stands on Southend seafront near Chalkwell. It was funded by Basildon businessman Dr Vijay Patel OBE. Essex Police launched an investigation after the video emerged and said they were pursuing targeted lines of enquiry. Chief Inspector David Browning, Southend district commander, acknowledged the 'concern and upset' the video may have caused within the community.
Radd Seiger, adviser and spokesperson for Sir David's family, said the incident was 'deeply upsetting' and that whilst Sir David believed in freedom of expression and the right to disagree, 'disagreement should never be an excuse for abandoning basic standards of decency and respect'. Local and national politicians, including former home secretary Dame Priti Patel, condemned the act as disrespectful to the murdered MP's memory and legacy.
How it is being reported
- Police investigating video of man 'spitting' on statue of murdered Essex MPPolice have recognised the "upset" that the video may have caused within the communityEssexLive · 22 Oct, 13:08
- Police issue update after pro-Palestine protester spits on statue of murdered MPPolice have issued a statement after a man was filmed spitting on a statue of murdered MP Sir David AmessEcho (Basildon) · 22 Oct, 12:05
- 'Deeply upsetting' - Family of Sir David Amess issue statement after statue spat onMan filmed spitting three times on Sir David Amess statue in Southend days after fifth anniversary of MP’s murder, as politicians condemn actEcho (Basildon) · 22 Oct, 11:21
- Outrage as protester films himself spitting on Sir David Amess statuePro-Palestine protester ‘Angry Jesus’ allegedly spat on Sir David Amess’s statue in Southend, prompting condemnation and calls for Essex Police actionEcho (Basildon) · 21 Oct, 17:46
In this story: Sir David Amess · Angry Jesus · Essex Police · Ali Harbi Ali · Southend · Radd Seiger · Dame Priti Patel · Dr Vijay Patel OBE
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