Southend Tory MP David Amess dies after being stabbed multiple times by knifeman

Terror police will probe murder of Sir David Amess: Cops arrest ‘British man of Somali heritage, 25’ after Tory MP was stabbed at his church constituency surgery amid screams from onlookers as police launch security review for all politicians

Sir David, 69, had been holding a surgery for constituents when he was attacked by the knifeman at middayHorrified staff and Southend constituents saw stabbing happen as he was inside Belfairs Methodist ChurchSir David was treated at the scene by paramedics for more than an hour but later died, Essex Police saidMan, 25, was arrested at the scene and a knife was seized. The suspect is in custody and arrested over murderMarried father-of-five voted against gay marriage and abortion. He’s survived by his wife Julia, his caseworker

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The murder of Tory MP Sir David Amess: What we know so far 

– The Southend West MP was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex at midday on Friday and died at the scene.

– Essex Police said the response of the emergency services to the incident was immediate and officers arrived at the scene within minutes.

– A 25-year-old man was arrested immediately at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

– Essex Police said the investigation is being led by counter-terror officers, with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington saying: ‘It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident, but as always they will keep an open mind.’

– Police said a knife was recovered.

– Detectives are not looking for any other suspects.

– Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said there will need to be a discussion in the coming days around MPs’ security and any measures to be taken.

– Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs ‘with immediate effect’.

– Flags have been lowered to half-mast outside Parliament following Sir David’s death.

– Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David was ‘one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics’, while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May said his death was ‘heartbreaking’, adding: ‘A tragic day for our democracy.’

 

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Counter terrorism officers are tonight leading the investigation into the murder of Tory MP Sir David Amess, as forces across the country are being urged to launch an ‘immediate review’ of security for politicians.

It comes after horrified onlookers screamed for help as they tried to save the Conservative MP who was brutally stabbed to death in front of them at his Southend constituency surgery. 

The popular politician – who won at the last general election with a margin of 14,000 votes – was knifed ‘multiple times’ by a 25-year-old killer – believed to be of a British national of Somali heritage. 

His attacker sprinted into the church and stabbed him to death during his weekly surgery as constituents watched in horror. 

The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, when it happened just at 12.05pm. 

Paramedics worked to save the politician on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour but he could not be saved after the appalling attack, which has left the stalwart MP’s local community in shock. 

Tonight a group of 80 mourners have gathered to attend a short-notice vigil in nearby St Peters Catholic Church, where Sir David, who has represented the constituency since 1997, was affectionately referred to as ‘Mr Southend’. 

In a poignant tribute, Father Woolnough, leading the service, said: ‘He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they’re at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.’

The murder bore chilling similarities to the killing of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed multiple times outside her constituency surgery at a local library in Birstall, West Yorkshire, in June 2016 by a right-wing terrorist. 

Her sister, Kim Leadbeater, who has since been elected as a Labour MP to Jo’s former Batley and Spen seat, tonight said she felt ‘frightened’ by the attack and that her partner has asked her to step down in the wake of Sir David’s death.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge led an outpouring of grief today, saying they had been left ‘shocked and saddened’ by the fatal attack.

In a statement, the couple said: ‘We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W&C’

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, said all our hearts are filled with ‘shock’ and ‘sadness’, as he reacted to the loss of the stalwart Conservative MP.

Returning to Downing Street to address the shocking news after a Cabinet away-day in Bristol, the PM said: ‘All our hearts are full of shock and sadness. 

‘The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics. He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.’

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the killing of Sir David Amess as an ‘attack on democracy’. Ms Patel said she was ‘devastated’ by the loss of Sir David, who she described as a ‘kind and loyal friend’.

And tonight her spokesman said the Home Secretary had called for an immediate review of security arrangements for MPs. 

‘The Home Secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course,’ Ms Patel’s spokesperson said.

MP Sir David Amess has been murdered at his constituency surgery in Leigh. The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North. Sir David pictured outside his surgery earlier this month

Pictured: Essex Police remain on scene at Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, where Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after he was stabbed several times at a constituency surgery this afternoon

A 25-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of murder after the Conservative MP was stabbed to death this afternoon

A police cordon at the scene of a crime where MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, was stabbed to death in Leigh-on-Sea

Floral tributes are placed near the scene of a fatal stabbing as police officers stand guard near the Belfairs Methodist Church

A vigil is held for MP David Amess who was stabbed during constituency surgery, at Saint Peter’s Church in Leigh-on-Sea

A man prays as people attend a mass in memory of Conservative British lawmaker David Amess, who was fatally stabbed

A woman wipes her tears as people attend a mass in memory of Conservative British lawmaker David Amess this evening

Sir David, a married father-of-five whose wife Julia is also his part-time caseworker, is the sixth MP to be murdered in the post war era. It is not known if his wife was at the church when her husband was murdered. 

Horrified constituents waiting to see the veteran MP, an ardent Brexiteer and royalist, watched in horror as the knifeman stabbed him, calling the police at 12.05pm. Police confirmed Sir David’s death at around 3pm. 

Chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington tonight said the 69-year-old Southend West MP was ‘simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short’.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the attack at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea near Southend at midday on Friday and remains in custody. The suspect is believed to be a British national with Somali heritage, official sources told the PA news agency.

Mr Harrington said ‘it will be for investigators to determine whether this is a terrorist incident’, adding they will be ‘keeping an open mind’ over the motive. 

Meanwhile, an Essex Police source said that an armed response team was involved in apprehending the suspect at the scene after being alerted by a local policing team who were first on the scene, following a 999 call.

One woman ran out of the church in the chaos yelling down the phone after dialling 999, telling the call handler: ‘Someone’s been stabbed, please get here soon, he’s not breathing’. Essex Police held the attacker at the scene and seized a weapon. He is now in custody and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Sir David, a Brexiteer veteran MP who has voted against gay marriage and abortion, was seen laughing and speaking to people on the steps of the church just 15 minutes before he was knifed. 

Pictured: the union flag flies at half mast in Downing Street, London, in the wake of the horrific attack this afternoon

Much-loved: A floral tribute left at the scene thanks Sir David Amess for his work to support Surfers Against Sewage

Many of Sir David’s constituents remembered his dedication to the community in Southend where he served for decades

Essex Police at the scene in Southend on Sea on Friday where MP David Amess had been stabbed to death in a daylight attack

Forensic teams and officers were at the scene well into the evening as they considered their investigation into the attack

‘We could see a police cordon set up… (someone outside) told me a woman had come out screaming on the phone, saying ‘someone’s been stabbed, please get here soon, he’s not breathing’,’ the 40-year-old said.

‘There was a lot of talk at the church that it was (Sir David) and plenty of people had seen him outside saying hello to people outside the church 20 minutes before. It’s very shocking’.

Poignantly, Sir David wrote last year about the importance of meeting constituents despite what had happened to Jo Cox. He wrote: ‘She was a young woman with a family going about her duties, as we all do, completely unaware of the threat that she faced. 

‘While it is often said that good can come out of someone’s death, it is difficult to see what good can come from this senseless murder’. He also admitted he had been threatened at his home in the past and had to add additional security to his property.

It is understood MPs will now see police present at all MP surgeries, in a major shake-up of security. 

A Parliamentary source told MailOnline that it is now essential: ‘The Commons will have a complete review again,’ the source said. ‘Police need to be at surgeries. It is the only solution. It takes something like this to shock everyone into action.’ 

When asked about whether the death of Sir David Amess Mr Johnson said: ‘I think what we need to do now is let the police get on with the investigation.

‘I am sure that all those issues will be considered in the proper time but I think this is a moment for us to think of Sir David, his wife, his family and our thoughts are very much with them.’

Armed police swamped the Belfairs Methodist Church as the MP was being treated for his wounds on the floor inside. Tragically he couldn’t be saved and was pronounced dead at around 3pm

Police officers attend following the stabbing of UK Conservative MP Sir David Amess as he met with constituents at a constituency surgery

Sir David became the sixth MP to be murdered recently and the first since the death of Jo Cox in 2016. Pictured: the scene

Pictured: Police and paramedics are said to have treated his wounds for more than an hour before he passed away

Pictured: Armed police at the scene after the stabbing happened next to an A-board advertising the MP was in the building

Tonight a group of 80 mourners have gathered to attend a vigil in nearby St Peters Catholic Church to pay their respects

In a poignant tribute, Father Woolnough, leading the service, said: ‘He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they’re at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.’ Members of the church and local community members attended the short-notice vigil this evening, just hours after the MPs death

The Union flags above Downing Street have been lowered to half mast after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was murdered

Flags are seen at half mast after MP David Amess was stabbed during a constituency surgery in Essex earlier today

Pictured: A member of the Southend West Conservative Association lowers the Union Jack Flag to half mast outside Iveagh Hall, the Southend West Constituency office address, following the stabbing of UK Conservative MP Sir David Amess

Sir David’s most recent Twitter post alerted constituents that he was holding a surgery at the location he was attacked by a 25-year-old man

An air ambulance was rushed to the scene, landing in a field behind the church but sadly Sir David died at the scene

David Amess, the Tory veteran first elected in Thatcher’s 1983 landslide who fought for Brexit and campaigned to ban fox-hunting 

David Amess and wife Julia, with their fourth child, baby daughter Alexandra. They are pictured with two of their other children, David and Katherine

David Amess was one of the longest-serving MPs on the Tory benches, having first been elected in Margaret Thatcher’s 1983 landslide.

The married father-of-five was known as a staunch right-winger, having been a Eurosceptic for years before the referendum campaign.

The 69-year-old has been an opponent of same-sex marriage and anti-abortion, but also took some less traditional Conservative positions – including campaigning against fox-hunting.

Despite his true-blue credentials he was popular across the political divide, known as a family man and a hard-working constituency MP.

One of his four daughters with wife Julia, Katie, is an actress and model who was named Miss Essex in 2008.

Sir David also came to public attention in 1997 when he was tricked into condemning a made up drug called ‘Cake’ on the satirical TV programme Brass Eye. 

The MP had never been a minister during his near-four decade stint in parliament, although he was briefly a ministerial aide. 

However, he held a number of important behind-the-scenes roles – which were rewarded when he was knighted in 2015 for political and public service. 

Sir David pictured with his pet Vivienne when they entered the Westminster Dog of the Year competition

Sir David was a member of the Health Committee, and also served on the Administration Committee – which oversees the Parliamentary facilities such as catering. 

He wa currently on the ‘Panel of Chairs’ at the Commons, making him one of the senior MPs who fill in for Speaker Lindsay Hoyle chairing debates.

Sir David was educated at a grammar school in London and then Bournemouth University, before becoming a recruitment consultant.

He contested and won Basildon for the Tories in 1983, when Mrs Thatcher trounced Michael Foot to secure an 144 majority.

However, when the seat was redrawn in 1997 he saw it would inevitably be taken by Labour, and was selected for Southend West.

He still holds the seat with a majority of more than 14,000.

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Another insider said: ‘We cannot have a disconnect between MPs and their constituents. MPs are already pulling their surgeries because they are worried. But we cannot let them win… the electorate have a right to meet their MP.’ 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country.

However, in response to calls by Priti Patel for an immediate review into MP security, he warned against ‘knee jerk reactions’ but said safety measures for MPs are ‘always being looked at’. 

He added: ‘We don’t want a knee jerk reaction now… of course we are going to be looking into these issues and I am speaking with the Home Secretary already. 

‘We are getting reassurances out there to MPs, and in fairness chief constables up and down this country are speaking to MPs to reassure them.

‘It’s about reassuring people at this stage, and then afterwards we will take further measures if we need to.’

Earlier Carrie Johnson led the tributes, tweeting: ‘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’.

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as ‘a true parliamentarian’. He tweeted: ‘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.’

Judith Cannon, deputy chair of the local Conservative club and friend of the MP, said: ‘I just don’t believe it, how anyone could harm a kind man like David, I don’t know. I cannot understand how anyone could be so wicked to harm this man’.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: ‘This death throws a sharp light on to the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies.

‘This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions.

‘David carried out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with generosity and integrity.

‘He served in Parliament for four decades and was respected by all political parties across the House.

‘His untimely death is a great loss.’

Paying tribute to Sir David, Monsignor Kevin Hale, of Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh-on-Sea, said: ‘He lived in the next parish but he came to see us often.

‘I have known him for around 18 years. David was a beautiful, affable and approachable person.’

He added that the news of his death was ‘utterly unbelievable – not only to hear of his stabbing but also after to hear he had died. His wife and family are in our hearts and prayers’.

Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, tweeted after the death: ‘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’.  

Councillor John Lamb, who was at the scene where Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed, described him as an ‘amicable’ family man.

He said he got the call about the ‘dreadful’ attack just after midday and rushed to the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, but that the surrounding roads had already been cordoned off by police.

Mr Lamb said the MP had not been taken to hospital, but that there were two ambulances at the scene and ‘they’ve been working on him all that time here’. He’s a family man, he’s got four daughters and a son,’ he said.

‘He’s always trying to help people and especially refugees he’s tried to help. He’s a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns, he says what he believes and he sticks by it.’  

Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister David Davis tweeted: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess.

‘He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career. We have all lost a good friend.’

Flowers and a balloon left at the scene, following the stabbing of Sir David Amess as he met with constituents at a surgery

Monsignor Kevin Hale, of Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh, described Sir David as a ‘beautiful, affable and approachable person’ as mourners attended a vigil for the popular MP this evening. Pictured (right): A woman lays flowers near the scene in Southend

Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: ‘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.’

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis described Sir David Amess as ‘one of life’s truly nice people’.

He tweeted: ‘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.’

Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: ‘David Amess’s passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.

‘He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.’  

Meanwhile, Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, said she felt ‘frightened’ following the attack on the Tory MP at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, on Friday.

And her family, who lost Ms Cox when she was murdered moments before she arrived at a constituency surgery in 2016, knew the pain that Sir David’s loved-ones will have to endure.

Asked how she felt, Ms Leadbeater said: ‘Totally shocked by what has happened to think that something so horrific could happen again to another MP, to another family. And scared and frightened – a real rollercoaster of emotions. 

‘But the shock and the feelings for us as a family, obviously what we went through and another family are going through that again, it’s horrific. 

Police were still on the scene hours after the attack happened collecting evidence, which witnesses said happened 

Armed police at the scene outside Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea where MP David Amess was stabbed to death

Police officers were seen speaking to potential witnesses after the shocking violence unfolded in broad daylight

‘It’s hard to put into words how that feels for me. The main people I am thinking about are David’s family, his friends and the community he represents and has represented for such a long time.

‘I think that’s the thing that people need to understand, it’s about a lot of people whose lives have changed forever today.’

MP sister of Jo Cox says her partner told her he wants her to quit in wake of Sir David stabbing

The MP whose sister Jo Cox was murdered said her partner has asked her to step down after Sir David Amess was killed.

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire, said she felt ‘frightened’ following the attack on the Tory MP at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, in Essex, on Friday.

And her family, who lost Ms Cox when she was murdered moments before she arrived at a constituency surgery in 2016, knew the pain that Sir David’s loved-ones will have to endure.

She said: ‘My partner came home and he said he didn’t want me to do it any more because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation.

‘There are so many layers to this. At the heart of it are David’s family and friends.

‘I know for them now that their lives will never be the same again, they will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives.

‘Even David’s staff – so many other people today will have been out there trying to do the right thing, trying to do a really important job in public life, and this happens.

‘I cannot believe that this has happened. It feels very raw for me.

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‘My partner came home and he said didn’t want me to do it any more because the next time that phone goes, it could be a different conversation. There are so many layers to this.

‘At the heart of it are David’s family and friends. I know for them now that their lives will never be the same again, they will think about this every single day for the rest of their lives.

‘Even David’s staff – so many other people today will have been out there trying to do the right thing, trying to do a really important job in public life, and this happens. I cannot believe that this has happened.

She added: ‘It feels very raw for me. 

‘I know from messages I have received from politicians across the political spectrum, for them it is incredibly raw.

‘The main people on my mind are David’s family and friends and I know the rollercoaster that they will now be on. There’s so little that you can say because it’s happened.’

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, meanwhile, said it was a ‘dark and shocking day’ after MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at a constituency meeting on Friday.

‘My heart goes out to David’s wife and children, his staff, friends and constituents,’ he said.

‘This is a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before.

‘Above all else, today I am thinking of David, of the dedicated public servant that he was and of the depth of positive impact he had for the people he represented. Informed by his faith, David had a profound sense of duty, that I witnessed first hand in Parliament. 

‘His Catholicism was central to his political life and he was highly respected across Parliament, within the church, and in the Christian community.

‘Let us come together in response to these horrendous events. We will show once more that violence, intimidation and threats to our democracy will never prevail over the tireless commitment of public servants simply doing their jobs.’ 

There has been an outpouring of grief from MPs at the murder of Sir David Amess

An ambulance is driven through the police corden after the death of the Tory MP in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

The scene near Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North where MP Sir David Amess was stabbed

Sir David, a married father-of-five whose wife Julia is also his part-time caseworker, is the sixth MP to be murdered since the Second World War, and the ninth in history.

One woman ran out of the church in the chaos yelling down the phone after dialling 999, telling the call handler: ‘Someone’s been stabbed, please get here soon, he’s not breathing’. Essex Police held the attacker at the scene and seized a weapon. He is now in custody and arrested on suspicion of murder

It is believed Sir David has been receiving treatment at the scene for his injuries for more than an hour before he was confirmed dead. Earlier this year he spoke out about anti-social behaviour and knife crime.

He was a firm supporter of Brexit and the Leave Means Leave campaign. Sir David opposed bills furthering LGBT rights, including equal age of consent and same-sex marriage.  He said present strategies were not working and said there needed to be more preventative measures.

What security do MPs have in their constituencies? 

Even before the murder of Jo Cox in 2016 concern was growing over the threat to MPs away from Parliament.

The improvements were championed by Sir Lindsay Hoyle as deputy Speaker, and he has continued the drive since taking over as Speaker. 

Every politician is now thought to have had a security assessment in the constituency, and they get a ‘standard’ package such as alarm systems, shutters, CCTV and personal alarms for staff. 

If the police deem it necessary MPs can also access ‘enhanced’ measures.

The authorities do not specify what that can include, but it is thought to include secure transport and guards.

The costs are met through a central contract with Chubb, organised by the Commons. 

However, there are concerns that most of the measures are applied to offices and homes, while surgeries often happen at churches or other buildings that might not be secure. 

Complaints have also been growing about a postcode lottery for MPs, with some police forces offering more support than others.  

Tonight a spokesman for Home Secretary Priti Patel said there would be an immediate review into MP’s security in the wake of Sir David’s death.

The spokesperson said: ‘This afternoon, the Home Secretary chaired a meeting of the Police, Security and Intelligence Agencies to discuss the tragic incident in Southend and the ongoing response. She also spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

‘The Home Secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course.’ 

But Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay warned against ‘knee jerk reactions’.

He added: ‘We don’t want a knee jerk reaction now… of course we are going to be looking into these issues and I am speaking with the Home Secretary already. We are getting reassurances out there to MPs, and in fairness chief constables up and down this country are speaking to MPs to reassure them.

‘It’s about reassuring people at this stage, and then afterwards we will take further measures if we need to.’

When asked about whether the death of Sir David Amess, which comes only five years after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, highlights a problem with the security protection of MPs, Boris Johnson said: ‘I think what we need to do now is let the police get on with the investigation.

‘I am sure that all those issues will be considered in the proper time but I think this is a moment for us to think of Sir David, his wife, his family and our thoughts are very much with them.’

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His last message on Twitter alerted constituents he was holding a surgery told and the location of where it was being held.

Essex Police said: ‘We were called to reports of a stabbing in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea shortly after 12.05pm today.  

‘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.’

Sir David was selected to contest the Basildon seat and was elected as an MP June 9, 1983.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms, who was stabbed at a constituency surgery in 2010, know him well and am thinking of him with very best wishes as we await further news.’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘Truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family, staff and the community at this incredibly difficult time.’ 

One witness called the incident ‘very distressing’ and described seeing someone being taken out of the building and put into the back of a police car, before he was asked to leave the area.

‘At that point obviously we knew something serious had happened,’ he told LBC.

‘Within five minutes we’d been informed by someone who was actually in the building what had happened and apparently he (Sir David Amess) had been stabbed quite a few times. It’s very distressing that’s for sure.’

He added: ‘It’s a nice area… it’s not something that you’d see happening round this area that’s for sure.

‘It’s just a residential street with a Methodist church on the road and you don’t often hear of things like this going on down this way.

‘To have it next door to where you’re working is obviously very upsetting and very unlike what it’s like round here. It’s very odd and it’s very distressing, that’s for sure.’

A spokesman for Sir David’s office in Westminster said: ‘The incident has happened. I don’t know what the incident is. We are still waiting.’

An employee of Jean’s Laundry, near Belfair’s Methodist Church, said she did not know anything about the situation but had seen emergency service vehicles go by.

‘We just saw all the police and the ambulances turning up, it was probably about half past 12 or just before then,’ she told the PA news agency.

‘I saw about two or three ambulances and then an undercover police car and other police cars going past.

‘There’s usually people walking past, elderly people walking to the shops. We’ve still got no idea what’s going on, we’re not very busy on a Friday and no one has come in to talk to us about it.’ 

Meanwhile locals have Baptist minister Rev Steve Tinning said Sir David held his constituency surgery at his Leigh Road Baptist Church only last week. 

‘David had been touring local churches for his surgeries following the lockdown and for this awful thing to happen only a week later has shocked us all and of course reflected on what might have happened 

Sir David Amess was pleased to attend an event in Parliament yesterday to support #OnePunchAwarenessWeek

Pictures showed that police have cordoned off the scene in the aftermath of the attack and said they had arrested one man

Dozens attend short-notice vigil in memory of ‘Mr Southend’ Sir David Amess 

Sir David Amess has been remembered as ‘Mr Southend’ at a vigil held in his memory.

Born in east London, the 69-year-old had been Southend West MP since 1997 – and was a keen advocate of the town’s bid for city status.

A service at Saint Peter’s Church in Eastwood Lane, close to where Sir David was killed, was held on Friday evening to remember him – where he was described by a priest as ‘Mr Southend’.

The church fell silent as Father Jeffrey Woolnaugh paid tribute to the Conservative MP and invited his constituents to remember him.

He placed a photograph of Sir David at the front of the church, and said: ‘This liturgy is one I was not expecting to lead today.

‘The whole world grieves. In this Mass we pray for the repose of the soul of dear David.

‘Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was that happy smile.

‘He carried that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they’re at. Not all politicians, I would say, are good at that.’

Around 80 people attended the service and listened as Father Woolnough recounted his own memories of Sir David.

He said: ‘When you can speak to your MP and you can talk and get on like a house on fire, that’s when you can talk to them later about things that are important to your area.

‘What can we say? He died doing the thing he loved, meeting his constituents, his local people.’

Father Woolnough added that his constituents could ‘count on’ Sir David, and said: ‘He was always available. We don’t have the words tonight.

‘Dear Sir David, rest well.’

Those who attended the vigil were invited to light a candle and share their own memories of Sir David. A lone candle placed outside the church burned as the Tory MP’s constituents remembered him.

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‘It’s a massive loss. I don’t know whether there will be a review of security arrangements for MPs in the light of this, but David would always want to be accessible to local people.

‘We used to pull his leg about the way he was so willing and ready to turn up when he was asked at events and when people needed help.

‘I just think that’s the kind of person he is. We didn’t agree on everything, of course, but there were plenty of occasions when David would vote against his party having listened to the views of local people and you can’t say fairer than that.’

Rev Steve Tinning added that Sir David had helped him in the past on various refugee-related enquiries.

He said: ‘Specifically, I spoke to him mostly about refugee issues. We have a family of Syrian refugees that live in a house that the church owns, and they needed to be reunited with their son that they were separated from when they left Syria.

‘David was extremely helpful in writing letters to the Home Office, and ultimately, we were able to reunite the family.

‘David’s also supported me in national issues around refugees and bringing amendments into parliament to try to encourage more family reunion.’

Meanwhile, around 80 people have attended a short-notice vigil in memory of Sir David.

Father Woolnough told the service: ‘Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was always that happy smile.

‘He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they’re at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.

‘He invited myself to a wonderful evening at the House of Commons to have a look around it in the evening, to go into the gallery and listen to a debate, and we went to a Mass and we were allowed a few minutes in the gallery.

‘There was still enough MPs to make a noise and we had a little lad with us – this must have been four or five years ago – who said to us ‘Father Jeff, why do Members of Parliament shout at each other and why are they so rude?’

‘Perhaps he could be the next prime minister. We need someone across all parties who could listen, and David was that man.’

He also described the MP as a ‘fine gentleman and a knight of the realm’ who was much loved by all members of the community.

Many of those gathered at the vigil at St Peter’s Catholic Church were in tears as the priest paid tribute to Sir David.

He said: ‘He died doing the thing he loved most and that was meeting his constituents. He was old school and he knew how to enjoy most things.

‘He was a great friend to us and the Catholic Church. We could always count on Sir David in the House of Commons, especially on pro life matters’

The vigil was held less than quarter a mile from the Methodist Church where Sir David was stabbed to death.

Media opportunities to film the start of a Cabinet meeting on Friday have been cancelled, as was a planned interview with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which was due to take place afterwards. 

‘All our hearts are full of shock and sadness’: PM leads tributes from across political spectrum to ‘decent family man’ David Amess killed in ‘attack on democracy’ – with flags flying at half-mast in Downing Street 

By James Tapsfield Political Editor for MailOnline

Boris Johnson led a great outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum today after the brutal stabbing of Tory MP David Amess.  

The PM was among colleagues from all parties hailing the veteran Conservative – who died after being attacked at a constituency surgery’ as a ‘true gent’ and a ‘decent’ family man.

And there was defiance that MPs must not bow to an ‘attack on democracy’ by refusing to meet voters face to face in future.

Returning to Downing Street to address the shocking news after a Cabinet away-day in Bristol, the PM said: ‘All our hears are full of shock and sadness.’

He said the death came after ‘almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom’.

‘The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics,’ he said.

‘He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.’

Flags in Westminster are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to the 69-year-old, who had been an MP since 1983.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

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.

Boris Johnson led a great outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum today after the brutal stabbing of Tory MP David Amess

Mr Johnson returned to Downing Street to address the shocking news after a Cabinet away-day in Bristol

The political world reacted with deep sadness to the grim events today

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

Former prime minister Sir John Major said: ‘This is truly heartbreaking news of a good and decent man who – for over 30 years – was a dedicated public servant.

‘My heart goes out to his family.’

Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister’s wife, tweeted: ‘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.’

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.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, tweeted: ‘Shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess. Praying for him, his loved ones and his staff.

‘Our elected representatives must be able to live and work without fear of violence or intimidation if we are to maintain our democracy.’

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as ‘a true parliamentarian’.

He tweeted: ‘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.’

Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: ‘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.’

David Amess and wife Julia, with their fourth child, baby daughter Alexandra. They are pictured with two of their other children, David and Katherine

Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Tory MP George Freeman were among those paying their respects tonight

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘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.’

Conservative MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tracey Crouch tweeted: ‘Heartbroken. I could write reams on how Sir David was one of the kindest, most compassionate, well liked colleagues in Parliament. But I can’t. I feel sick. I am lost.

‘Rest in Peace. A little light went out in Parliament today. We will miss you.’

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis described Sir David Amess as ‘one of life’s truly nice people’.

He tweeted: ‘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.’

Former Conservative MP Harvey Proctor, who was Sir David Amess’s predecessor as MP for Basildon in Essex, paid tribute to him and called for security for MPs to be reviewed.

Mr Proctor told the PA news agency: ‘The news that my friend David Amess has been attacked and died in his constituency is horrible.

‘David took over my Basildon constituency in 1983. My thoughts and best wishes go to his wife Julia and their children and his family.

‘He supported me in good times and in bad. He was a wonderful Member of Parliament for Basildon and Southend-on-Sea West.

‘It’s now time to consider again the security of MPs, especially when they are present at fixed events and times such as constituency surgeries.

‘Our parliamentary democracy is under threat and Parliament must respond.’

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: ‘Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act.

‘My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time.’

Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: ‘David Amess’s passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.

‘He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.’

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: ‘This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with David’s wife and children, the wider family, friends and David’s community.

‘A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David.’

Conservative MP and former Cabinet minister David Davis tweeted: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess.

‘He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career. We have all lost a good friend.’

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted: ‘Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP.

‘He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘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.

Sir David with his wife Julia Arnold and his four daughters. The couple also have a son together

‘Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones.’

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted: ‘Shocked to hear my long time good friend/colleague has died as a result of a desperate attack in his surgery doing what all MPs have a duty to do: looking out for their constituents often as a last hope when all else has failed.

‘My prayers go out to his family RIP #SirDavidAmess.’

Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: ‘I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away.

‘He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David’s loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief.’

Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale tweeted: ‘David and I entered the House together in 1983 and I regard him as a dear friend and a brave & compassionate MP.

‘The loss to his family, who David always put first, and to the House is appalling. But David died doing what David always did – looking after his constituents.’

 

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‘Praying for another MP just carrying out his job’: Shocked politicians say MPs ‘should be able to do their job without fear’ as Sir David Amess becomes 10th to be attacked while in office

There are fresh fears for MPs’ safety after Conservative MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at a constituency surgery this afternoon. 

The MP for Southend West, 69, was stabbed ‘multiple times’ by a man as he spoke to constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

MPs from across Parliament quickly sent their best wishes to Sir David who was pronounced dead at the scene this afternoon. 

Several also called for greater security for politicians after the attack, which follows the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016. 

Conservative MP and former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said he is ‘very worried’ to have heard Sir David Amess was stabbed ‘a number of times, not just once’. 

He told the BBC News channel: ‘Obviously at the moment right now all I can think of are prayers for him and his family, […] and them for the most terrible emotions they must be going through.

‘The reality for us is that we see constituents all the time, both in their houses and in surgeries. We’re out and about, we’re always available, we must be available, it’s the most critical bit of what makes the British parliamentary system I think one of the most accessible in the world, and that’s because we want it that way.

‘We don’t want to be cowed or frightened into doing something different, and I certainly won’t, and I know my colleagues will feel the same.

‘So I hope this is resolved very, very quickly, as I say, but we will certainly want to continue the way that we do things.

‘Of course there may be some other elements that may be added to it, but notwithstanding that I want my constituents to have full access and I’m sure David would have felt the same.’ 

East Ham MP Stephen Timms, who was stabbed at a constituency surgery in 2010, wrote on Twitter: ‘Appalled to hear of the attack on @amessd-southend today. I know him well and am thinking of him with very best wishes as we await further news.’

Former prime minister David Cameron tweeted: ‘Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David Amess and his family.’

ATTACKED ON THE JOB: TRAGIC MPs KILLED AND INJURED WHILE IN OFFICE 

By Danyal Hussain and Jacob Thorburn for MailOnline

Sir David Amess has become the sixth MP to be murdered in office in modern times as questions persist over the safety of our elected representatives. 

The Tory MP for Southend West, 69, was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea on Friday when his attacker charged into the building wielding a knife and attacked the veteran politician. 

Paramedics desperately worked to save him on the floor of the Essex church for more than an hour, but he died after suffering ‘multiple stab wounds’ in the appalling attack with chilling similarities to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016. 

Today, as MPs paid tribute to Sir David after hearing the horrifying news, scores of stunned politicians called for better measures to protect parliamentarians after a string of violent attacks over the last 40 years. 

As news of Sir David’s tragic death broke, Labour MP Rosie Duffield was among the first to call for MPs to be able to carry out their jobs ‘peacefully and without fear.’ 

The latest police data showed there were 678 crimes reported against MPs between 2016 and 2020 – as Brexit and Covid ensured the country endured one of the most polarised political landscapes in recent memory.

Sir David became the second MP to be murdered at a constituency meeting in the last six years, after Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, was brutally murdered by far-right activist Thomas Mair in 2016.  

Below are the six MPs who have been killed while serving their constituents in the modern era: 

2021: Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West 

Conservative MP Sir David Amess, 69, was murdered on Friday after being stabbed ‘multiple times’ by a 25-year-old killer who sprinted into a church and knifed him to death during his weekly constituency surgery. 

The veteran Tory MP was meeting locals at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, when his attacker ran into the building wielding a knife before attacking the veteran politician at just after midday. 

Sir David, a married father-of-five whose wife Julia is also his part-time caseworker, is the sixth MP to be murdered in office in the last four decades.

Horrified constituents waiting to see the veteran MP, an ardent Brexiteer and royalist, watched in horror as the knifeman stabbed him, calling the police at 12.05pm. 

Police confirmed Sir David’s death at around 3pm. Counter-terrorism officers and armed units are at the scene. 

Conservative MP Sir David Amess was killed after being stabbed ‘multiple times’ during a constituency surgery in Belfairs Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea

2016: Jo Cox, Batley and Spen Labour MP 

Ms Cox, who was MP for Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire, was murdered aged 41 after she was shot and stabbed multiple times by far-right activist Thomas Mair at an open constituency surgery in Birstall. 

The unemployed gardener shouted out ‘Britain First, this is for Britain, Britain will always come first’, as he launched a barrage of blows against Mrs Cox.

Jo Cox was the first MP killed in more than 20 years after she was stabbed and shot to death in 2016

The murder – which came just days before the EU referendum – provoked shock around the world and grief both in Ms Cox’s constituency and among her friends and colleagues in Parliament.

She had worked at charity Oxfam before being elected a Labour MP in 2015. Her children Lejla, and Cuillin were three and five at the time of her death.

1990: Ian Gow, Eastbourne MP  

Eastbourne MP Ian Gow, a former private parliamentary secretary to Margaret Thatcher, was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53.

The charismatic Conservative MP kissed wife Jane goodbye that summer morning as he left their East Sussex farmhouse, got into his car and started it – triggering an IRA Semtex bomb which had been placed under the driver’s seat of the Austin Montego. 

It was 8.39 am and he died some ten minutes later, having suffered appalling injuries to the lower part of his body. 

As a fierce pro-Unionist and chairman of the Tory backbench committee on Northern Ireland, Ian Gow knew he was an IRA target, but refused to be cowed – keeping his personal contact details available in the local telephone directory.

Eastbourne MP Ian Gow (above) a former private parliamentary secretary to Margaret Thatcher, was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53

1984: Sir Anthony Berry, MP for Enfield Southgate 

Sir Anthony Berry, MP for Enfield Southgate died during the IRA bombing of Brighton’s Grand Hotel, where Mrs Thatcher was staying for the 1984 Conservative Party conference.

Thirty people were injured in the attack on the eve of the Conservative Party conference but the terrorists’ main target, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, escaped relatively unscathed.

The bomber, Patrick Magee was given eight life sentences in 1986 for his role in the terror attack, but was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement in 1999 after serving just 13 years. 

1981: Robert Bradford, MP for Belfast South  

The IRA also claimed the life of Ulster Unionist Party MP Robert Bradford, who was killed aged 40 while holding a constituency surgery in a Belfast community centre in 1981.

Mr Bradford, a staunch Methodist Minister was assassinated at the height of the Northern Ireland Troubles after he was shot by furious loyalists.

His death was condemned as ‘part of a series of atrocities committed in recent days’. 

Ulster Unionist Party MP Robert Bradford was killed in an IRA attack in 1981

1979: Airey Neave, MP for Abingdon

The Irish National Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the murder of former Northern Ireland secretary Airey Neave, whose car was blown up as he drove out of the parliamentary car park at Westminster in 1979.

Neave was shadow Northern Ireland secretary at the time of his slaughter at the hands of an IRA splinter group, the INLA.

He was killed in a car bomb in the courtyard of the House of Commons while leaving the car park but now Sajid Javid has dragged the case back to the fore after pleas for justice for the former army officer’s family.

His case was reopened in 2019.

Airey Neave, whose car was blown up as he drove out of the parliamentary car park at Westminster in 1979.

The Parliamentary Liaison and Investigation Team, set up by the Metropolitan Police in 2016 following the death of Jo Cox, received 582 reports of malicious communications and handled 46 cases of harassment.  

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