Conservative MP Sir David Amess dies following stabbing

Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery, police have said. 

The Southend West MP, 69, was holding a constituency meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

Amess received treatment at the scene, but police later confirmed he had died from his injuries.

In a statement, Essex Police confirmed a man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea.

"We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm. 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."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among those paying tribute to Sir David.

She tweeted: "This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.

"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."

Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross said:  “I am shocked and devastated by the death of Sir David Amess in horrific circumstances.

“David was an outstanding MP, a great colleague and someone I was proud to call a friend.

“I’ve just returned from Qatar as part of a parliamentary delegation that David led. It was a privilege to spend the last week with him.

“Not only was David professional and knowledgeable on the visits, but he was also great company to share time with. He regaled us all with his stories of almost four decades of public service. He was witty and engaging, and still had so much to offer.

“When I was first elected as an MP in 2017, David’s office was just two doors down from mine, and he did everything he could to make me feel welcome and supported in Westminster.

“David died doing the job he loved, helping his constituents and carrying out his public duty. A duty he has carried out for the last 38 years he has been a member of parliament.

“I am at a complete loss for words to describe this tragedy – and I offer my prayers and heartfelt condolences to David’s wife Julia and his five children.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him.”

Former Scottish Conservatives leader Jackson Carlaw tweeted: "Shocked and appalled at the death of Sir David Amess. An MP who had visited & taken an interest in the Scottish Parliament and the work that we do. A genuinely lovely man and my thoughts with his family on this tragic day."