The Conservative MP David Amess has died after being stabbed multiple times in his constituency in Essex.
The 69-year-old was attacked at around midday on Friday 15 October at a constituency surgery in Southend West. The incident occurred around at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
Essex Police have confirmed that a man was arrested shortly after the stabbing was reported to authorities. The police are not looking for any other suspects.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the police thanked the public “who alerted us to the incident so quickly.”
Mr Amess received treatment at the scene for his injuries with an air ambulance said to have been waiting nearby. An update shared by Essex Police just before 3 pm confirmed that a man had died on the scene.
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
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Amess was first elected to parliament in 1983 as the MP for Basildon before being elected in Southend West in 1997. He received a knighthood in 2015 for his political and public service. He was one of the oldest serving members of parliament and had served nearly four decades as an MP. He was a father of five.
Numerous tributes have been paid to Amess following his tragic death, all speaking of what a noble, decent and approachable figure he was in parliament, with flags currently being flown at half mast.
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak tweeted “the worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity” and that “today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague.“
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.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) October 15, 2021
Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague.
All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones.
The prime minister’s wife Carrie Johnson said it was “absolutely devastating news” and paid tribute to Amess as an “enormous animal lover and a true gent.”
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.
— Carrie Johnson (@carrielbjohnson) October 15, 2021
The secretary of state for housing and communities, Michael Gove said it was “heart-breakingly sad” and that Amess was a “good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all.”
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
— Michael Gove (@michaelgove) October 15, 2021
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the news was “truly awful” and added that his “thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family, staff and the community at this incredibly difficult time.”
Truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family, staff and the community at this incredibly difficult time. https://t.co/pKcPQAAu5D
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) October 15, 2021
The health secretary Sajid Javid said Amess was “a great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.”
Thinking of my friend and colleague Sir David Amess and his family.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) October 15, 2021
Foreign secretary Liz Truss said that she was “devastated” and that Amess was a “lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian.”
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.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 15, 2021
The speaker of the house Lindsay Hoyle said he was “shocked and deeply distressed” by Amess’s death who he said was a “lovely man” and had built a reputation for kindness and generosity.”
I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess. Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/1vaX6yMX9s
— Sir Lindsay Hoyle (@CommonsSpeaker) October 15, 2021
Many more of Amess’s colleagues in the House of Commons, from the Tory party and opposition parties, sent their thoughts and prayers in reaction to the MP’s death.
Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 15, 2021
It's hard to find the words. David Amess was killed while holding a constituency surgery, just doing his job. It's truly horrific.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) October 15, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with David's loved ones on this devastating day for them, and for our democracy.
So saddened by the murder of David Amess.
— Andrew Bridgen (@ABridgen) October 15, 2021
He loved his constituents and his constituency, he gave his life serving the people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Appalling news about David Amess. Even when he disagreed with you, he was always friendly, always cheerful, always kind and generous.
— David Gauke (@DavidGauke) October 15, 2021
This is totally heart-breaking. Tragic. Such a lovely, decent man who has served his constituents and the country so well for so long. I only last met with him a few weeks ago about building and fire safety issues on which he’s tirelessly campaigned for years. What a loss. https://t.co/HaPqFTpLrZ
— Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) October 15, 2021
I am so deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Sir David. He was killed whilst fulfilling his duty of public service. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and his staff. Terrible news.
— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) October 15, 2021
I am so deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Sir David. He was killed whilst fulfilling his duty of public service. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and his staff. Terrible news.
— Emily Thornberry (@EmilyThornberry) October 15, 2021
David was decency personified. Always obsessed with Southend, always smiling and always kind. A generous and fair chair of debate, and good company even when headed into different division lobbies.
— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) October 15, 2021
Our democracy - and our hearts - are shattered.
Devastating and awful news about Sir David Amess. He was kind, decent and simply doing the job he loved. A terrible loss. My deepest condolences and love to his family and friends.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) October 15, 2021
Horrific news today as colleague and friend Sir David Amess MP has been stabbed to death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP.
— Therese Coffey #PlanforJobs #VentilationIsVital (@theresecoffey) October 15, 2021
Finding it difficult to comprehend that David Amess has been murdered. Sending all my love to David’s family and friends. It’s unimaginable to think what they must be going through.
— Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) October 15, 2021
Really saddened to hear that David Amess has passed away. It's absolutely heart breaking for his family, friends and staff - my thoughts and prayers are with them all.
— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan 💙 (@DrRosena) October 15, 2021
My thoughts and concerns are with David Amess' family at such a shocking time.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) October 15, 2021
Nobody should be under threat doing their job.
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.
— Sir Roger Gale MP (@SirRogerGale) October 15, 2021
Labour MP, Stephen Timms who was also stabbed at a constituency surgery in 2010 said he was appalled by what had happened.
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
— Stephen Timms (@stephenctimms) October 15, 2021
The Jo Cox Foundation, which was set up in memory of the Labour MP who was murdered by a terrorist in 2016, said they were “devastated” by the news and that “all elected representatives deserve to be safe and treated with respect.” Jo’s husband, Brendan Cox, said the incident “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.”
— The Jo Cox Foundation (@JoCoxFoundation) October 15, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/hwRN0PODPK
— Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) October 15, 2021
It has also been noted that Amess wrote a book last year where he said that the murder of Jo Cox “spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting.”
Last year Sir David published a book, including the following passage about how the murder of Jo Cox "spoilt the great British tradition of the people openly meeting" their MPs. pic.twitter.com/cJZFkiimws
— Calgie (@christiancalgie) October 15, 2021
The former prime minister David Cameron said that Amess was “a kind & thoroughly decent man - & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet.” Meanwhile, Theresa May said this was a “tragic day for our democracy.”
This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news. David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man - & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet. Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David’s family
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 15, 2021
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. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) October 15, 2021
The Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said Amess’s death was “awful beyond words” adding: “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.”
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
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) October 15, 2021
Southend United, the football club closest to Amess’s constituency sent their thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences.
The thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Southend United Football Club are with the family, friends and colleagues of MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, following this afternoon's utterly devastating and shocking news.
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) October 15, 2021
Rest in peace, Sir David.
Other notable figures from the media landscape have also paid tributes to Amess.
Awful news - MP Sir David Amess has been killed while meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea https://t.co/nhmh6bO5hc
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) October 15, 2021
Just horrible. RIP https://t.co/c0xkjJ1hJU
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@OwenJones84) October 15, 2021
Terrible news. David Amess MP has died of his stab wounds. RIP.
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) October 15, 2021
Very shocking to hear of another attack on an MP holding a constituency surgery. Access to our representatives is essential for our democracy and and an attack on one is an attack on that system. Prayers for David Amess and all affected will be offered this evening.
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) October 15, 2021
Police are now appealing for any information that the public might have about the incident submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button on their website to speak to an online operator between 7 am-11 pm. The public has been advised to quote incident 445 of 15 October.
Anyone with information can also phone 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
