BREAKING: Conservative MP Sir David Amess dies after being stabbed 'multiple times'
The MP was attacked while he was holding a surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea
Conservative MP, Sir David Amess, has died after being stabbed multiple times at a constituency surgery on Friday. He was 69.
The Tory MP for Southend West was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea when he was attacked shortly after midday.
Essex Police said Sir David was treated at the scene, but "sadly, died at the scene".
A man reportedly ran into the church on Eastwood Road North and stabbed the MP "several times".
Essex Police said a 25-year-old was quickly arrested and a knife was recovered. He is currently being held in custody on suspicion of murder.
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Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the attack and "do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public".
Sir David has 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 #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
The widower of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in an attack in 2016, described the stabbing of Sir David "as cowardly as it gets".
He said: "Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification.
"It is as cowardly as it gets."
Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) October 15, 2021
Cabinet ministers are paying their respects to Sir David.
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.— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) October 15, 2021
Awful, tragic news about David. 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.— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 15, 2021
I knew David both from my days as a councillor in Essex and as a fellow MP. One of life’s truly nice people, a gentleman, who was always ready to give his help to anyone who needed it. So shocked and saddened by this awful news. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) October 15, 2021
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.
— Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) October 15, 2021
The force has asked any members of the public with CCTV or further information to report online at http://www.essex.police.uk
