Salisbury's MP John Glen has said he is "sickened and heartbroken" after hearing his fellow conservative MP from Essex has died after being stabbed multiple times.

The Conservative MP for Southend West, David Amess, was stabbed at his constituency surgery in Leigh at around midday today, Friday October 15.

John Glen tweeted: "Sickened and heartbroken by the dreadful news of the death of Sir David Amess, a distinguished and much-loved colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and staff at this incredibly sad time.

Salisbury's mayor Caroline Corbin told the Journal: "It is a very tragic day when someone who has just gone to work has their life violently taken.

"Like Jo Cox before David was holding a constitutional surgery reaching out to his electorate.

"Thoughts to his family and friends. I hope that due process is followed and the person responsible given an appropriate sentence.”

The surgery was being held at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North.

A man reportedly ran into the church before the MP was stabbed "several times".

Sir David, 69, a prominent MP, was a huge member of the Make Southend a City campaign, first for Basildon and then for Southend West since 1997.

Essex Police confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and they're "not looking for anyone else".

Wiltshire politicians respond to this 'attack on democracy'

The Conservative MP for Devizes Danny Kruger also expressed his condolences, tweeting: "I am so very sorry for David Amess’s family and friends. He was an absolutely lovely man. Also for his constituents in Southend, who could not have had a more devoted champion."

MP Andrew Murrison who represents South West Wiltshire was "Horrified" by the attack on Sir David. 

He added: "Thoughts and prayers with David, his family and staff."

New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne said: "Lord Jesus Christ, when thou comest into thy Kingdom, remember thy servant David."

Wiltshire police have also responded to Sir David's death, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard expressing his condolences on behalf of the force. 

The response from the Jo Cox Foundation

The stabbing draws comparisons to the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016 when she was on her way to meet constituents at a surgery in Birtsall, West Yorkshire.

A foundation set up in her name reacted to the incident.

They tweeted out: "The Jo Cox Foundation is horrified to hear the news of the attack on Sir David Amess MP.

"We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time.

 

 

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