Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at a surgery in his constituency, police say.
Sir David, who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked on Friday afternoon at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
Live updates: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Conservative MP stabbed to death
Sky News understands a man walked into his constituency surgery and stabbed him multiple times.
He had been MP for Southend West since 1997 and first entered parliament in 1983.
“A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea,” Essex Police said in a statement.
“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October).
“We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.
“A 25 year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered. He is currently in custody.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
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Eyewitness describes MP stabbing
Tributes have been paid to the long-serving MP.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Sir David was a “great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role”.
“Let us remember him and what he did with his life.”
Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, described him as a “dedicated, thoughtful man and a true parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career”.
Conservative MP Tracey Crouch said she was “heartbroken”.
“I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can’t. I feel sick. I am lost,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Rest in Peace. A little light went out in parliament today. We will miss you.”
Carrie Johnson, Prime Minister’s Boris Johnson’s wife, tweeted: “Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess.
“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.”
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister said: “Elected 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.”
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the MP’s death was “utterly devastating”.
“Sir David was a thoroughly decent man, who was well liked across parties and the House of Commons,” Mr Blackford said.
“All of us are appalled at this barbaric attack, which was as senseless as it was cowardly. He was murdered while simply doing his job.”
