A British Conservative MP has died after being stabbed multiple times on Friday when meeting members of the public in his constituency.
Sir David Amess, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was fatally attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.
The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery.
According to Sky News, a man walked into the meeting place and “stabbed him multiple times.”
In a statement, Essex Police said: “We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05 p.m. [Friday]. We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.”
The force said a 25-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.
“He is currently in custody,” the police said. “We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
Responding to the news, Carrie Johnson, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s wife, wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said on Twitter: “This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with David’s wife and children, the wider family, friends, and David’s community. A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David.”
According to the BBC, Amess was known as a social conservative and a prominent campaigner against abortion.
Following his death, flags have been lowered to half-mast outside Parliament.
