MPs and politicians share tributes for Sir David Amess after stabbing death

15 October 2021, 15:47 | Updated: 15 October 2021, 16:54

• Tory MP Sir David Amess was stabbed to death at a constituency surgery today
• Essex police said a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident
• MPs have shared their tributes in the wake of his death

MPs, politicians and members of the public share their tributes for Conservative MP Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death in Essex today.

Sir David was stabbed to death during a surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church on Eastwood Road North, in Southend-on-Sea.

The Jo Cox Foundation, established in 2016 after the murder of MP Jo Cox, shared that it was "horrified" by the news.

Her widower Brendan Cox wrote: "My thoughts and love are with David’s family. They are all that matter now.

"This brings everything back. The pain, the loss, but also how much love the public gave us following the loss of Jo.

"I hope we can do the same for David now."

Read more: Tory MP Sir David Amess stabbed multiple times at constituency surgery at church in Essex

Flags at Parliament have been lowered to half-mast.

Police responded to reports of a stabbing at the church in Leigh-on-Sea and armed police and forensics officers were seen outside.

MPs also took to twitter to share messages of support.

Rishi Sunak wrote: "The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity.

"It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most.

"Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague.

"All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones."

Nicola Sturgeon wrote: "This is awful beyond words.

"My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace."

Former prime minister Tony Blair said he was "shocked and horrified" by the murder of Sir David Amess.

"David and I came into Parliament together in 1983," he said in a statement.

"Though on opposite political sides I always found him a courteous, decent and thoroughly likeable colleague who was respected across the House.

"This is a terrible and sad day for our democracy."

Meanwhile former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted: "Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess.

"A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties.

"A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family."

Ed Miliband tweeted: "Devastating and awful news about Sir David Amess.

"He was kind, decent and simply doing the job he loved. A terrible loss.

"My deepest condolences and love to his family and friends."

Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab tweeted:

"Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP.

"A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit - including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend."

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said:

"I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess.

"David was a lovely man, devoted to his family, to Parliament and his Southend West constituency.

"This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country.

"In the coming days we will need to discuss and examine MPs' security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues."

Earlier today, MPs across parties shared their support for Sir Amess and his family.

Essex police said that a man was arrested this afternoon and they do not believe anyone else is connected to the incident.

They said in a statement: "We were called to reports of a stabbing in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October). Officers were on scene shortly after, arrested a man and recovered a knife.

"He is currently in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.

"We want to thank the public who alerted us to the incident so quickly. We need anyone who saw anything or has CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact us."