BROMSGROVE MP and Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he is ‘devastated’ after the death of his colleague Sir David Amess.
The MP for Southend West is reported to have been stabbed several times whilst conducting a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea this afternoon.
Picture by Essex Police. s
Essex Police were called to Eastwood Road North around 12.05pm where they found the 69-year-old seriously injured.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the MP was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paying tribute to him on Twitter, Mr Javid said: “He was 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.”
Northfield MP Gary Sambrook posted a picture of Sir David Amess on Twitter and wrote: “RIP, David. A gentleman and Parliamentarian. You will be missed.”
A 25 year-old man was quickly arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.
He is currently in custody and Essex Police have confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the killing.
Sir David Amess was first elected to the Basildon seat in 1983, before having the Southend West seat from 1997.
Sir David is the second sitting MP to have been killed in the last five years after Labour MP Jo Cox’s murder in 2016 and the incident is likely to raise questions about security at MPs’ surgeries and constituency engagements.
Supt Gareth Morgan from West Mercia Police said although the force did not comment on specific security arrangements, it was liaising with MPs’ offices.
“Local officers will be out in areas where MPs have planned surgeries to engage with communities and reassure following today’s incident in Essex.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and constituents.
“This horrific incident is a direct attack on our democracy and the values we hold as a society.
“This will have caused concern across the country and in our community, I have sought reassurance from the Chief Constable around the impact in the West Mercia and am assured this is under constant review, especially in light of today’s incident.
“No person should be attacked in the course of doing their duty and serving the public. Our right to be represented is sacrosanct.”
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