Conservative British MP David Amess, 69-year-old has died after he was stabbed at a constituency meeting, police have confirmed.
He was attacked on Friday afternoon while holding a constituency surgery with local residents to discuss their concerns or offer assistance.
The MP, was reportedly stabbed multiple times while holding a constituency meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
Amess, father of five had served as an MP since 1983, first for Basildon and then from 1997 for Southend West. He was well known for his work around animal welfare.
Essex Police in a statement confirmed a 25-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
“We are now in a position to confirm the man who died in Leigh-on-Sea today was Sir David Amess MP,” they said.
“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October) to reports Mr Amess, 69, had been stabbed.
“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, sadly, he died at the scene.
“A 25 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.
“We have recovered a knife from the scene and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”
A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in #LeighonSea.
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.
Read more: https://t.co/CR8vYv8yuR pic.twitter.com/llSd1Tr0H7
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 15, 2021
Tributes pour for British MP David Amess
Raab described his colleague as a “great common sense politician and a formidable campaiger with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirity – including towards those he disagreed with”.
He added: “RIP my friend.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David was a “fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague”.
“He was one of the kindest nicest, most gentle people in politics, and he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.”
Deputy prime minister Dominic Raab said he was “heartbroken”.
Labour MP Yvette Cooper said Amess was completely dedicated to his local area, and he was one of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet.
Michael Gove, Cabinet minister said the news was “heartbreakingly sad”. He wrote, “Just terrible, terrible news. He was a good and gentleman, he showed charity and compassion to all, hIs every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family,” he wrote.
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary said: “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.”
Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, said the news was a “punch in the face”.
In a tweet, he said, “I worked with David on maternity safety & mental health for young people about which he was passionate.”
“He was kind and fun and you always left him with a smile on your face. Today we are left with nothing but grief. RIP dear friend.”
Lord Cormack, Conservative peer and Life President of The House, said: “This is a terrible day for parliamentary democracy and the devastating day for all of us who knew and liked Sir David Amess.
“And it was impossible not to like him; he was one of the most friendly and ebullient of colleagues, who was passionately attached to his constituencies, both Basildon and Southend, and who made a real contribution to Parliament, not least in his work with the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union.”
