London: A 69-year-old Member of Parliament (MP) from the UK’s ruling Conservative Party died on Friday after he was stabbed while meeting his constituents in south-east England.
Sir David Amess, who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea during a routine constituency surgery meeting to address the concerns of local residents. According to UK media reports, a man is believed to have walked into the meeting and stabbed him multiple times.
“A man has been arrested on suspicion (of) murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea,” Essex Police said in a statement.
“We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October). We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene, the statement said.
“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,” it added.
Tributes began pouring in for the long-serving Tory MP from his party colleagues and others within the political field.
UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said Amess was a “great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role”.
“Let us remember him and what he did with his life,” he said.
UK Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said on Twitter: “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.”
Carrie Johnson, Prime Minister’s Boris Johnson’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.”
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister said: “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.”