Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed during a constituency surgery in Essex.
The attack took place at Belfair’s Methodist Church in Leigh at about midday. Essex Police said a 25-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Counter-terror police are involved in the early investigation.
Sir David, who was first elected to parliament in 1983, leaves a wife and five children. He was 69.
Calls for security review after stabbing
Security arrangements for MPs should be reviewed in the wake of David Amess’ murder at a constituency surgery event, according to an ex-parliamentarian.
Harvey Proctor, Sir David’s predecessor as Basildon representative, also paid tribute to the slain MP.
He told the PA news agency: “The news that my friend David Amess has been attacked and died in his constituency is horrible.
“David took over my Basildon constituency in 1983. My thoughts and best wishes go to his wife Julia and their children and his family.
“He supported me in good times and in bad. He was a wonderful member of parliament for Basildon and Southend-on-Sea West.
“It’s now time to consider again the security of MPs, especially when they are present at fixed events and times such as constituency surgeries.
“Our parliamentary democracy is under threat and parliament must respond.”
Sir David had advertised the surgery, which is a regular opportunity for constituents to air their views and seek assistance, on his Twitter page on Tuesday, giving the location and contact details to book an appointment.
In another tribute statement, the former MP Denis Macshane reflected: “Five years ago Jo Cox. Now this. Rise of hate in politics in 21st century is so worrying.”
Ex-PM Cameron says murder ‘devastating’
David Cameron, the former PM, has called Sir David Amess’ murder “devastating”.
Mr Cameron tweeted: “This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news. David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man – & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David’s family.”
Read more: Tributes flood in for ‘hugely kind and good’ MP
Tributes have flooded in for the Conservative Party MP Sir David Amess after he was stabbed to death at a surgery meeting in his Essex constituency, writes Adam Forrest.
Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie said the shocking news of Sir David’s death in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday was “absolutely devastating”.
Ms Johnson added: “He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.”
Tributes begin to come in for Sir David
Sir David Amess, who has died aged 69 after being stabbed during a constituency surgery in Essex, has been hailed as a “true parliamentarian” by colleagues.
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said of the Southend West MP: “A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
And Sajid Javid, the health secretary, tweeted: “Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess’ murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role. My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life.”
Michael Gove added: “David Amess’s passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news. He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.”
Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed
Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh, Essex.
Essex Police said in a statement: “A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh on Sea.
“We were called to Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm.
“Sadly, a man later died.
“A man was arrested at the scene.
“We are not looking for anyone else.”
You can read our full report below:
Brendan Cox condemns ‘attack on democracy’
Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, has commented on the attack on Sir David Amess.
He wrote on Twitter: “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”
Eyewitness describes ‘distressing’ scenes after stabbing of MP David Amess
David Amess: A profile of one of Westminster’s longest-serving MPs
Sir David Amess is one of Westminster’s longest-serving MPs and known as a passionate campaigner for his Southend West constituency, writes Andrew Woodcock.
Today’s attack is a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of MPs who meet members of the public at constituency surgeries, usually on Fridays when they are free of parliamentary duties.
It comes after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox as she left a surgery in her West Yorkshire constituency in 2016, the stabbing of East Ham MP Stephen Timms as he spoke to constituents in 2010 and a samurai sword attack on Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones, which killed an aide.
Air ambulance waiting near scene
Sir David Amess is still at the church where he was stabbed, the BBC cited a local councillor as saying.
Live footage showed an air ambulance hovering nearby.
More from Leigh
Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea
” height=”726″ width=”982″ srcset=”https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.independent.co.uk/2021/10/15/14/POLICE20MP202014374625.jpg?width=640&auto=webp&quality=75 640w” layout=”responsive” class=”i-amphtml-layout-responsive i-amphtml-layout-size-defined” i-amphtml-layout=”responsive”> Emergency services at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea
