Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex.
Image source, Getty Images
Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex.
Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after the stabbing at a church in Leigh-on-Sea.
They said they recovered a knife and were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Sir David, 69, had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he was “a great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role”.
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Rest In Peace Sir David.
“You were a champion for animal welfare, the less fortunate, and the people of Southend West. You will be missed by many.”
Image source, Anthony Fitch
Sir David, who represented Southend West, was holding a constituency surgery – where voters can meet their MP and discuss concerns – at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North.
Essex Police said they received reports of a stabbing shortly after 12:05 BST and found a man injured.
He was treated by emergency services but died at the scene.
A Conservative backbencher for nearly forty years, Sir David entered Parliament in 1983 as the MP for Basildon.
He held the seat in 1992, but switched to nearby Southend West at the 1997 election.
Raised as a Roman Catholic, he was known politically as a social conservative and as a prominent campaigner against abortion and on animal welfare issues.
He was also known for his championing of Southend, including a long-running campaign to win city status for the town.
Were you in the area? Have you been affected by what’s happened? You can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
If you are reading this page and can’t see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.