A CONSERVATIVE MP has died after being stabbed 'multiple times' in an incident which occurred at his constituency surgery in Essex.
Essex Police have confirmed that confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched following the incident.
Sir David Amess, who represents Southend West, was attacked on Friday afternoon at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea where he was meeting constituents.
It is understood that a man ran into the Tory MP's constituency surgery and stabbed him several times.
READ MORE: 'Awful beyond words': Politicians unite in tributes to Sir David Amess
A man has been arrested and is in custody and police have confirmed that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there to be an ongoing threat to the public.
Armed police have were spotted at the scene, as reported by the Southend Echo, and the road surrounding the location has been closed off.
A huge emergency presence wasspotted in the area nearby, alongside a police helicopter overhead.
A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in #LeighonSea.
— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 15, 2021
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
READ MORE: Jo Cox Foundation 'horrified' after attack
A statement released by Essex Police said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea.
“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today.
“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.”
Sir David, 69, a prominent MP, was a huge member of the Make Southend a City campaign, first for Basildon and since 1997 for Southend West.
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.”
The incident comes five years after Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered as she arrived to host a surgery in her Batley and Spen constituency in June 2016.
Her widower, Brendan Cox, tweeted: “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”
Witness Anthony Finch described seeing someone being taken out of the building and put into the back of a police car.
He told LBC: “At that point obviously we knew something serious had happened.
“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.”
He added: “It’s very odd and it’s very distressing, that’s for sure.”
As all eyes were waiting on updates, politicians from across the political spectrum paid their respects and wellwishes.
The Deputy First Minister John Swinney wrote: "Appalling news. I hope David Amess makes a full recovery and send every good wish to him, his family and his team at this traumatic time."
Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross said: "This is truly horrific news. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David, his family and his staff at this awful time."
Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Andrew Bowie tweeted: "Utterly shocked by the news about my friend and colleague David Amess. A man more dedicated to his constituents you could not ever hope to meet. To have been attacked like this during a surgery is horrific. Praying for him and his family just now."
This is truly horrific news. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David, his family and his staff at this awful time. https://t.co/MkLEjMdkwj
— Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) October 15, 2021
The SNP Health Secretary Humza Yousaf wrote: "Just awful news. Thinking of David Amess, his family, friends and constituency staff. Hoping and praying for his recovery."
SNP MP for Aberdeen South Stephen Flynn described it as "Absolutely awful news."
The former Prime Minister, David Cameron wrote: "Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David Amess and his family."
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: "Truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family, staff and the community at this incredibly difficult time."
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff."
Angela Rayner MP added: "I’m horrified by the reports regarding David Amess and an incident at his constituency surgery today. We don’t know the details yet but on behalf of all of us in the Labour Party I want to say all of our thoughts are with David and we all hope that he pulls through and is ok."
Following the news of Sir David's death, politicians from across the UK shared their condolences.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "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."
This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/qRO3Hgbk6q
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 15, 2021
The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Jackson Carlaw paid tribute to Sir David and said: "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."
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid wrote: "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."
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.”
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.”
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.”
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