By DAVID WILCOCK, DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR
Published: | Updated:
A pro-Palestinian protester has sparked fury by filming himself repeatedly spitting on a statue commemorating murdered MP David Amess.
Essex Police are facing calls to investigate a yob calling himself 'Angry Jesus' on social media who targeted the statue on the Southend seafront.
In footage posted online he showed himself spitting three times on the likeness of Mr Amess, days after the fifth anniversary of his murder during a constituency surgery.
As he did so he said: 'People were just bowing to this p***k. Voted for the Iraq war. Shame.'
Despite posting the first-person footage he bizarrely claimed in the comments that it was not him spitting on the statue, adding: 'If I catch the person who did, I’ll #grrrrrr.'
Former home secretary and Essex MP Dame Priti Patel, who joined Mr Amess's family to unveil the sculpture in 2024, said: 'This is a sickening and disgusting act committed by a vile individual.
Essex Police are facing calls to investigate a yob calling himself 'Angry Jesus' on social media who targeted the statue on the Southend seafront
In footage posted across social media he showed himself spitting three times on the likeness of Mr Amess, days after the fifth anniversary of his murder during a constituency surgery
The statue was unveiled in 2024 by Sir David's family
'Sir David was respectful, kind and a powerful advocate for free speech and expression.
'He always debated political differences with dignity.
'To disrespect his life and legacy in this way is dreadful.'
Sir David, 69, was killed by Ali Harbi Ali at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on October 15 2021.
Ali was convicted in 2022 and given a whole life order for murder and the preparation of terrorist acts.
Angry Jesus doubled down on his sickening behaviour when he was confronted in social media comments by people criticising his video.
Sir David, 69, was killed by Ali Harbi Ali at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on October 15 2021
Former Home Secretary and Essex MP Dame Priti Patel, who joined Mr Amess's family to unveil the sculpture in 2024 (pictured), said: 'This is a sickening and disgusting act committed by a vile individual'
He replied: 'Why do we have a statue of someone who was partly responsible for the murdering of 1 million people? That doesn’t set a good example for future generations.
'What about all those parents he was partly response (sic) for murdering? Do you care about their children?
'Instead of coming at me, maybe use that energy to help orphans in the region.
'David’s adult children will be just fine. I don’t want to see someone as heartless as Mr Amess on my morning run.
'Take the statue down and I am sure whoever is spitting on it will stop.'