Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Nadeem Badshah (now) and Kevin Rawlinson (earlier)

David Amess: home secretary asks police to review security measures after MP’s stabbing– as it happened

We are closing this blog now. You can read our full report into the death of Sir David Amess and the investigation which is being led by counter-terrorism officers here.

A summary of today's developments

  • Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed multiple times at a meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, at midday on Friday.
  • A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
  • Police said a knife was recovered and detectives are not looking for any other suspects.
  • Essex Police has said the investigation is being led by counter terrorism officers.
  • Aerial footage showed multiple police officers outside the church and an air ambulance at the scene.
  • Priti Patel has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with “immediate effect”.
  • Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David was “one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics”, while former prime minister Theresa May said his death was “heartbreaking”, adding: “A tragic day for our democracy.”
  • Flags were lowered to half-mast outside Parliament following Sir David’s death.

Kim Leadbeater is Labour MP for Batley and Spen, the constituency held by her sister Jo Cox until she was murdered during the EU referendum campaign in June 2016.

Tomorrow’s Mirror:

Here is a roundup of some of Saturday’s front pages, starting with The Times:


Updated

A message from US secretary of state Antony Blinken:

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “This death throws a sharp light on to the fact that our Members of Parliament are servants of the people, available to people in their need, especially in their constituencies.

“This horrific attack, as David was undertaking his constituency surgery, is an attack on our democratic process and traditions.

“David carried out his vocation as a Catholic in public life with generosity and integrity.

“He served in Parliament for four decades and was respected by all political parties across the House.

“His untimely death is a great loss.”

More forensic science officers have arrived at the scene on Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea.

Paying tribute to Amess, Monsignor Kevin Hale, of Our Lady of Lourdes, Leigh-on-Sea, said: “He lived in the next parish but he came to see us often.

“I have known him for around 18 years. David was a beautiful, affable and approachable person.”

He added that the news of his death was “utterly unbelievable - not only to hear of his stabbing but also after to hear he had died. His wife and family are in our hearts and prayers”.

Updated

A tribute from the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Updated

The MP was also patron and president of the Music Man Project charity, an international music education service for people with disabilities.

In 2019, he helped the charity – which he was involved with for more than 20 years – organise an event in which 200 children with learning disabilities played music at the Royal Albert Hall.

The charity’s founder, David Stanley, said: “The news came as the most devastating shock. He gave me opportunities to do music, dinners and receptions at the House of Commons.

“We were planning the next stage, which was we were hoping to perform on Broadway and do other shows at the Albert Hall. He was central to making those dreams come true.

“As you can imagine, people with learning disabilities, that they can’t really change their own destiny, they need people to help them. Sir David was able to do things that I couldn’t do as a charity founder. He could and he was just amazing in what he did.”

Updated

Sir David Amess has been remembered for his charity work with constituents describing him as a “community man” who would “always turn up”.

Helen Symmons is the town clerk for Leigh-on-Sea, and said Sir David’s death was a “massive shock” for the whole town.

“I’ve lived here for 28 years, and he’s always been my MP as long as I’ve lived here,” the 56-year-old told the PA news agency.

“David was a big community man and everybody here recognised that.

“Everyone’s in a state of shock and disbelief.”

Mrs Symmons recalled Sir David’s annual attendance at the town’s Christmas parade, which attracts between five and ten thousand people each year.

“We always invited David, he always came along and we always found him a float to sit in and wave from,” she said.

“I think the worst thing that I made him do was probably sit ... with a mascot dressed as a bear.”

Updated

MPs from all factions in all parties will be united in shock and grief at the death of David Amess. They will also feel the cold shiver of vulnerability, since many of them will have received abuse and threats online and in person. And it is not just the MPs who are affected. Their families and staff are targeted.

Home secretary asks police forces to review MPs' security arrangements

The home secretary, Priti Patel, had asked all police forces to review security
arrangements for MPs “with immediate effect”, a Home Office spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Patel said: “This afternoon, the home secretary chaired a meeting of the police, security and intelligence agencies to discuss the tragic incident in Southend and the ongoing response. She also spoke to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

“The home secretary has asked all police forces to review security arrangements for MPs with immediate effect and will provide updates in due course.”

Updated

Stephen Aylen, a former independent councillor for the area, said: “I helped David with the 97 election when he first stood in Southend.

“We all got aggressive constituents. I’ve had human shit thrown at me, but nothing like this.

“Look at the place: it’s lovely and quiet and leafy. It’s one of the best places in Southend to live. It’s mainly older people. How could this happen?

“There wasn’t a bad bone in him, you know, even people who were against, if they asked for help, it was no problem.

“I can remember watching the 1992 the election when he won in Basildon. It was a total shock for everybody. I never thought I’d not get to know him then.

“He was very popular. When you went canvassing with him he would remember people’s name. It’s a fantastic skill.”

Bob Hazel, 62, came to the scene to lay a bouquet of white lilies for Amess. A card on the flowers said: “Sir David, such a kind and thoughtful MP to us all.”

“I stood as an independent councillor for the local group Belfairs First. But regardless of the political allegiance, he was always very helpful.

“He was a well-liked MP and a great guy. I didn’t agree with him about a lot of things, like his views on birth control and abortion.

“There’s always going to be something you don’t agree with. He was tremendously hard working.”

Updated

Dean Cadywould, 53, still has the presentation box of Parliamentary whisky that Amess presented to him last December.

His party shop Balloonacy was judged by Amess to be the best dressed shop window on Eastwood Road in Leigh on Sea, 200m from where he was killed 10 months later.

Cadywould said: “It’s shocking, even if you’ve got the total opposite opinions to him, to kill him is just lunacy. It’s so sad.

“Bizarrely we were saying only yesterday that when we give the shop to our son we’ll give him the Parliamentary whisky as well.

“It beggars belief. We are really sad about it.”

Ahzid Mahmood, 34, runs a neighbouring shop that Amess would also visit and present shop window awards to in previous years.

“He would give us a bottle of whisky from Parliament even though we don’t drink. He gave us caviar one year, I thought it was chocolate and searched it up online and found out it was some kind of fish egg.

“He would come and say ‘you’ve won the best dressed shop window’ and he would give us a certificate on laminated paper. It was a big deal for us to have that paper with David Amess name on it, and we’d put it in the window.

“This is why the window is like it is. It’s because of him,

“I’m absolutely devastated. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I kept thinking is this really true.”

Ed Holmes, a senior speechwriter at the Department for International Trade, used to work with Sir David in his first job after university.

Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said officers are continuing to “keep an open mind” about the motive of the suspect.

They do not believe anybody else was involved in the attack.

Investigation into fatal stabbing of Sir David Amess to be led by counter-terrorism officers

Essex Police has said the investigation into Sir David Amess’s death is being led by counter terrorism officers.

The force added the man arrested remains in police custody.

Updated

Father Jefffrey Woolnough also told the service the area could “count on” Sir David.

He said: “We thank God for his life and that great gift that he was able to share himself with the people of Southend and to bring his ideas to the table.

“He was always available. He showed me a great deal of respect and love.”

The church fell silent as Sir David was remembered by his constituents.

The priest said: “We don’t have the words tonight. Dear Sir David, rest well.”

Around 80 people have attended the service in memory of Sir David, PA reports.

Father Jeffrey Woolnough told the service: “Have you ever known Sir David Amess without that happy smile on his face? Because the greeting he would always give you was always that happy smile.

“He carried with him that great east London spirit of having no fear and being able to talk to people and the level they’re at. Not all politicians I would say are good at that.

“He invited myself to a wonderful evening at the House of Commons to have a look around it in the evening, to go into the gallery and listen to a debate, and we went to a Mass and we were allowed a few minutes in the gallery.

“There was still enough MPs to make a noise and we had a little lad with us - this must have been four or five years ago - who said to us ‘Father Jeff, why do Members of Parliament shout at each other and why are they so rude?’

“Perhaps he could be the next prime minister. We need someone across all parties who could listen, and David was that man.”

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, the constituency held by her sister Jo Cox until she was murdered during the EU referendum campaign in June 2016, has described how her partner has asked her to “not do it any more” amid rising security fears.

“This is the risk we are all taking,” she said in a TV interview broadcast on BBC News.

“So many MPs today will be scared by this. My partner came home and said, ‘I don’t want you to do it any more, because the next time that phone goes it could be a different conversation.’”

Leadbeater, who became an MP in July, said: “I’m totally shocked by what has happened, to think that something so horrific could happen again to another MP, to another family.” She said she was frightened and it was horrific for another family to go through the shock and the feelings that her family endured when her sister was killed on her way to a routine constituency surgery by the far-right extremist Thomas Mair.

“The main people I’m thinking about are [David Amess’s] family and friends and the community that he represented for such a long time,” she said. “That’s the thing people need to understand. This is about a lot of people whose lives will have been changed forever today. People still come up to me and talk to me about where they were when Jo was killed.

“It’s so hard because we’ve got a job to do and I find myself now working as a politician trying to help people and do good things for people and it’s really important that we get good people in public life.”

Updated

Sir David Amess was patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation.

Chris and Lorraine Platt, its co-founders, have paid this tribute:

“The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation is heartbroken and deeply saddened by our patron Sir David Amess MP passing away. Sir David has been a close, dear friend for many years. We will remember him as one of the kindest, gentlest of family men; never ceasing to show compassion to anyone he met. We echo the beautiful tributes which have been shared in these dark hours following his death.

“As we struggle to make sense of today’s tragic events, we remember Sir David’s long and distinguished career. Having first been elected in 1983, he was a first-class local MP and campaigner. A strong animal welfare champion, he stood up time and time again for those who have no voice. We feel incredibly thankful for the years he spent as our patron.

“Sir David was a champion for his constituents and his country, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children at this devastating time. We will all miss him terribly.”

Updated

The flags were earlier lowered at Westminster in tribute to Sir David Amess.

The Speaker of the Welsh parliament, Elin Jones, said she was “deeply shocked and saddened”, adding: “Our democratic process depends on our elected members being able to listen and talk to the public we serve. It should go without saying that every elected member should be able to carry out this work safely and without fear.

“As members we may have different views, but we are always united in our respect for the democratic process and our commitment to serving the public. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

Updated

Exiled Iranian opposition activists have paid tribute to Sir David Amess, who had been a vocal critic of the regime in Tehran and a supporter of its opponents based abroad.

“Today, the Iranian Resistance lost an extraordinary friend and the people of Britain lost a great advocate of freedom and democracy,” said Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), on the group’s website.

Amess had been among MPs who had advocated for a UK ban to be lifted on the NCRI, which is based in France and Albania. The group was listed a terrorist organisation by the UK government until 2008.

Speaking at a conference in Budapest last September, Amess had said: “One of the proudest things I have ever done in my political career is to support the National Council of Resistance of Iran which calls for the Iranian regime to be replaced with a safer and more democratic government. “

Rajavi added: “David Amess was a staunch enemy of dictators, especially the mullahs’ tyranny. Sir David will always remain in our thoughts”

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a “dark and shocking day” after MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at a constituency meeting.

When asked about whether the death of Sir David Amess, which comes five years after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, highlights a problem with the security protection of MPs, Boris Johnson said: “I think what we need to do now is let the police get on with the investigation.

I am sure that all those issues will be considered in the proper time but I think this is a moment for us to think of Sir David, his wife, his family and our thoughts are very much with them.”

Home secretary Priti Patel said she would provide an update “in due course” on questions around the safety of MPs following the death of Sir David Amess.

She said on Twitter: “Questions are rightly being asked about the safety of our country’s elected representatives and I will provide updates in due course. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends.”

Patel added: “I am devastated we have lost Sir David Amess. David was not only a fellow Essex MP, but a kind and loyal friend.

“David served the people of Southend with endless passion, energy and integrity. That he was killed while going about his constituency duties is heartbreaking beyond words. It represents a senseless attack on democracy itself.”

Roger Hirst, the police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, has described the attack as “shocking and utterly despicable” against an “outstanding” MP who has “worked tirelessly for their community for many, many years”.

Hirst added: “My prayers are with Sir David’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I also want to acknowledge the officers who attended the event for their bravery and courage.

“It is vital that we give the police all our support to ensure that they can do their job at this time.

“For anybody who has information please do not hesitate to contact the police.”

Updated

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has posted this tribute on Twitter:

Updated

Sir David Amess recently wrote of how MPs had received security advice about holding surgeries and how attacks had “spoilt the great British tradition” of the voters meeting politicians.

In Ayes & Ears: A Survivor’s Guide to Westminster - which was published in November - he wrote about Jo Cox’s murder and how she had been attacked “in the most barbaric fashion imaginable”.

Sir David also wrote about the machete attack on Nigel Jones MP, which resulted in his aide Andy Pennington’s death as he tried to protect him.

The Essex politician mentioned he had experienced “nuisance from the odd member of the general public” at his own property.

He said most MPs had changed the way they interacted with voters, and the Commons authorities took the threats members faced very seriously, PA reports.

Boris Johnson says 'our hearts are full of shock and sadness' as he pays tribute to Sir David Amess

Boris Johnson has paid tribute to David Amess. He said: “All our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess, killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the UK.”

Johnson added he was one of the “kindest, nicest and most gentle people in politics” and had an “outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, whether people suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals and doing a huge amount for people suffering from fuel poverty”.

He added: “David was a man who believed passionately in this country and its future.

“We’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague.”

Updated

The Guardian’s crime correspondent is now being told that counter-terrorism police are poised to take a lead in the inquiry.

Floral tributes are being left at the scene of Amess’s death.

Children leave flowers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist Church.
Children leave flowers at the scene near the Belfairs Methodist church. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA
A woman leaves a tribute at a cordoned off area following the stabbing of sir David Amess.
A woman leaves a tribute at a cordoned off area following the stabbing of Sir David Amess. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Updated

The former prime minister Tony Blair said he is “shocked and horrified” by the killing.

David and I came into parliament together in 1983. Though on opposite political sides, I always found him a courteous, decent and thoroughly likeable colleague who was respected across the house. This is a terrible and sad day for our democracy.

Updated

Cardinal Nichols, the UK’s most senior Catholic – the denomination to which Amess belonged – has said:

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the killing of Sir David Amess MP, while serving his constituents and country. I pray for the repose of his soul, and for his family and constituents who grieve for him. May he rest in peace.

The MP’s death is “a deep blow” to the UK and democracy, the archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby added.

The death of a father, husband and friend is agonisingly painful for those who loved him. The murder of an MP, in the course of caring for their constituents, is a deep blow to this country, its citizens and everyone who desires a peaceful and flourishing democracy.

Sir David Amess dedicated his life to championing causes he believed in, serving constituents and his country for almost 40 years as a member of parliament.

The only antidote to violence and hatred is love and unity. In this horrific and tragic moment we must come together, across political difference, and be the light that refuses to be cowed by darkness.

Updated

Illustrating the strain MPs and their staff can face, a former office manager to Yvette Cooper has recalled leaving the job as she struggled under the weight of the abuse and threats she had to contend with. Jade Botterill tweeted:

In February last year, a Conservative activist who sent messages claiming to have paid “crackheads” £100 to beat Cooper up was jailed for nine weeks and given a restraining order preventing him from contacting either the MP or Botterill for 10 years.

Updated

Plaid Cymru’s Westminster group – Liz Saville Roberts, Hywel Williams and Ben Lake – have issued a joint statement saying Amess’s death represents a loss to public life in the UK.

We are saddened and outraged by this horrific act of violence against a dedicated member of parliament while working for his constituents in his community. It is deeply shocking that two MPs have now been killed in their constituencies in the last five years.

Sir David Amess was a true parliamentarian, whose kind words of advice helped many a new member find their feet in Westminster. His contributions in the House were always considered and valuable.

This is a loss for all of us in parliament and to public life, but the loss will be particularly painful for his family, friends and colleagues, to whom we send our sincere condolences.

Updated

Another former prime minister, Sir John Major, has offered his condolences over Amess’s death.

This is truly heartbreaking news of a good and decent man who – for over 30 years – was a dedicated public servant. My heart goes out to his family.

Updated

The GMB union, which represents MPs’ staff among others, has put out a helpline for anyone struggling following news of Amess’s death, which comes only five years after that of Jo Cox.

Updated

The DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has conveyed his condolences to Amess’s family and friends.

Our prayers are with those closest to David. This is shocking and horrendous.

Sir David Amess has been a long-standing friend to me personally but also to the union. More than many in Westminster, he took a keen interest in Northern Ireland and its people. He always wanted to see the country moving forward.

Such a brutal attack must be condemned and is a reminder of the dangers which still face people in public office.

Updated

ITV News’s Paul Brand reports that a vigil will be held in Amess’s constituency, starting in a little more than an hour and a half.

Updated

The former prime minister Theresa May has paid tribute to Amess:

MPs' security to be reviewed

MPs’ security will be reviewed in the wake of Amess’ death, the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has said. But he said the immediate priority was to offer condolences to the MP’s friends and family.

I am shocked and deeply distressed by the killing of Sir David Amess. David was a lovely man, devoted to his family, to parliament and his Southend West constituency. He was well-liked by members and the staff alike, and during his almost four decades here, built a reputation for kindness and generosity.

This is an incident that will send shockwaves across the parliamentary community and the whole country.

In the coming days, we will need to discuss and examine MPs’ security and any measures to be taken, but for now, our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family, friends and colleagues.

Updated

The Royal College of Midwives has said it is “shocked and saddened” by the news.

Sir David was a great champion for better maternity services throughout his long parliamentary career. He was the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Maternity and had served in that role for many years. Indeed, the RCM met with his team only yesterday to plan an APPG event on maternity safety he was helping organise in parliament next month.

This is such devastating news. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

Updated

Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street
Boris Johnson arrives at Downing Street Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

The prime minister, Boris Johnson, has returned to No 10 from a cabinet meeting in Bristol following Amess’s death, PA reports. Elsewhere in Westminster, flags have been lowered to half mast outside parliament.

Updated

The chancellor Rishi Sunak has said:

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. Today, it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones.

And the foreign secretary Liz Truss said:

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.

Updated

Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, has remembered his friend David Amess:

He was the MP for the constituency where I grew up and, not only did he always faithfully serve those people and that place, but had a particular concern for the Christian community born of his own deeply held Christian faith as a member of the Roman Catholic community.

It is shocking that someone so dedicated to his community and public service was the victim of such violence as he went about his elected duty. It is hard to make sense of the horror of what has happened this afternoon but he and his family and those he loves are in my prayers.

Updated

David Garston, a local Conservative councillor, said the MP had been particularly upset by the death of Jo Cox and that local Tory party members had ensured he was not alone when canvassing at election time. He told the Guardian:

As far as safety was concerned, this is a safe place, although we as councillors tend to try not to go out alone when it comes to meetings. At election time too, we would have made sure that David would never have been alone.

As far as a personal bodyguard was concerned, it was not something that was thought of. But that might now be something that the government will have to look at again.

Paying tribute to Amess, he described him as one of the best constituency MPs in the country.

David was everywhere and really put everything into looking after the town.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said:

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.

The Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has added his tribute, saying:

Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act. My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time.

The Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has 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.

The threat to politicians is pronounced in Scotland as well. In February, Holyrood magazine reported that a third of MSPs had received a death threat since being elected. Its poll was conducted after a man was arrested for sending threats – including one of sexual violence – to the SNP MP Joanna Cherry.

Updated

Judith Canham, the deputy chair of the local Conservative club, said Amess was a “true constituency MP” and a “friend to everyone”. She told Sky News:

I just can’t believe it; how anybody could harm a kind man like David I don’t know. Words can’t say, he’s such a lovely man who is liked across the parties ... he gets on with everybody.

I cannot understand how anybody could be so wicked and cruel to hurt this kind man.

He is a true constituency MP. If there has been anything going on in the town, functions ... anything really that he’s been invited to, he’s always turned up to give his support.

He’s a friend to everyone, he has his strong opinions ... [but] he’s got a photographic memory and seems to remember everyone and took an interest in everybody.

I’m terribly in shock. I burst into tears as soon as I heard because we do love him dearly.

Nobody’s perfect in life but he’s as near perfect as a constituency member of parliament. I’m just praying ... we need him and the country needs him.

The Conservative party’s former director of communications and the prime minister’s wife, Carrie Johnson, is among those to pay tribute:

Tributes are being paid to Amess following the news of his death.

The health secretary Sajid Javid said he was “devastated”, calling Amess a “great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role”. He added: “My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life.”

Labour’s Darren Jones said he was “horrified and deeply saddened” by the news. MPs may come from different parties but we’re all in parliament to serve our constituents and our country together. This hurts all of us, as well as our democracy. RIP, Sir David.”

Updated

David Amess identified as the man who died

Sources with knowledge of the investigation confirm the man who died is the Conservative MP David Amess.

Updated

Here’s the latest statement from Essex police:

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea.

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.

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.

Updated

The Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, who gave first aid to PC Keith Palmer after he was stabbed in the grounds of parliament in 2017, tweeted:

Updated

Man dies following attack in which MP was stabbed, police say

Essex police have now confirmed that a man has died following the stabbing of the Conservative MP Sir David Amess. Officers have not officially confirmed the identity of the deceased.

Updated

The deputy speaker of the Commons, Dame Eleanor Laing, has described the attack on Amess as “unforgivable”.

ITV News’ deputy political editor Anushka Asthana has quantified the scale of the threat facing MPs:

A witness has described the “very distressing” incident, during which they said they saw a person being taken out of the building and put into the back of a police car. Anthony Finch told LBC Radio:

At that point, obviously we knew something serious had happened. Within five minutes, we’d been informed by someone who was actually in the building what had happened and apparently he (Sir David Amess) had been stabbed quite a few times. It’s very distressing, that’s for sure.

It’s just a residential street with a Methodist church on the road and you don’t often hear of things like this going on down this way. To have it next door to where you’re working is obviously very upsetting and very unlike what it’s like round here. It’s very odd and it’s very distressing, that’s for sure.

Iain Duncan Smith, Amess’s former party leader, has said he is “very worried” to have heard the MP was stabbed “a number of times, not just once”. He told BBC News:

Obviously, at the moment right now, all I can think of are prayers for him and his family; him for a safe recovery, and them for the most terrible emotions they must be going through.

The reality for us is that we see constituents all the time, both in their houses and in surgeries.

We’re out and about, we’re always available, we must be available, it’s the most critical bit of what makes the British parliamentary system I think one of the most accessible in the world, and that’s because we want it that way.

We don’t want to be cowed or frightened into doing something different, and I certainly won’t, and I know my colleagues will feel the same.

So, I hope this is resolved very, very quickly, as I say. But we will certainly want to continue the way that we do things.

Of course, there may be some other elements that may be added to it. But, notwithstanding that, I want my constituents to have full access and I’m sure David would have felt the same.

Updated

Pictures from the scene show emergency services responding:

Emergency services at the scene
Emergency services at the scene Photograph: @LeeJordo1/PA
Emergency services at the scene
Emergency services at the scene Photograph: @LeeJordo1/PA

Updated

Councillor John Lamb, who is at the scene, has described Amess as an “amicable” family man.

He told the PA news agency he got the call about the “dreadful” attack just after midday and rushed to the Belfairs Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, but that the surrounding roads had already been cordoned off by police.

Lamb said the MP had not been taken to hospital, but that there were two ambulances at the scene and “they’ve been working on him all that time here”.

He’s a family man, he’s got four daughters and a son. He’s always trying to help people and especially refugees he’s tried to help. He’s a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns; he says what he believes and he sticks by it.

Updated

Counter-terror police assisting investigation

The Guardian understands counter-terrorism police are assisting the investigation into the stabbing, which continues to be led by the local force, Essex police.

Senior counter-terrorism officials are closely monitoring the situation and are being updated on emerging details of the attack and the suspect, who is in custody. They usually stay involved in such an investigation until a non-terrorist motive is identified.

Updated

'As cowardly as it gets'

Brendan Cox, the widower of Jo Cox, said Amess’s stabbing was “as cowardly as it gets”.

Updated

The incident will raise further concerns about the safety of MPs, who routinely hold advice surgeries at which anyone can turn up. In 2016, the Labour MP Jo Cox was stabbed to death by a far-right terrorist shortly before holding a surgery.

In 2010, another Labour MP, Stephen Timms, was stabbed twice at a constituency surgery by a student radicalised by online videos. In 2000, Andrew Pennington, an assistant to the Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones, was stabbed to death as he tried to protect Jones from an attacker who stormed his constituency office armed with a sword.

Amess, 69, is a well-known backbencher who has never held a ministerial or shadow ministerial post during his 38 years in parliament, instead campaigning on issues including animal rights. He is married with five children.

Updated

The former prime minister David Cameron has tweeted:

The Jo Cox Foundation, set up in remembrance of the murdered MP, has expressed its horror at the latest attack on a parliamentarian.

Well-wishers from across the political divide are expressing their shock at the incident and sending Amess and his relatives their best.

Essex police have released a statement concerning the incident. They said:

We were called to reports of a stabbing in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October).

Officers were on scene shortly after, arrested a man and recovered a knife. He is currently in custody.

We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.

We want to thank the public who alerted us to the incident so quickly.

We need anyone who saw anything or has CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact us.

Conservative MP stabbed at constituency surgery

The Conservative MP Sir David Amess has been stabbed multiple times while holding a constituency surgery, his office and police have said.

A man has been arrested and officers say they are not looking for anyone else. Staff at Amess’s office said they did not know any further details and were awaiting updates.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
New York woman is excited to walk into Amex airport lounge for the first time—until some men start making fun of her: ‘I already was so insecure’
A New York influencer celebrates getting her first American Express Platinum card by checking out one of the credit card’s exclusive airport lounges. A group of men make a rude comment about her appearance that ruins her mood. She gets her revenge after another member recognizes her.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Menstrual pads and tampons can contain toxic substances – here’s what to know about this emerging health issue
About half of the global population menstruates at some point in their lives. Disposable products, such as tampons and pads, are some of the most popular products used around the globe to manage menstrual flow.
The Conversation
The Conversation
‘It’s not your house’: Homeowner floored after finding TikTok scammer trying to rent out the condo she owns
She found a video of her own home up for rent on TikTok.
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
“You have to go to a clinic”: Clavicular’s candid remarks about intimacy spark debate and laughter across the internet
Clavicular went viral after joking about intimacy during a podcast appearance, turning an awkward question into a widely shared clip. His humor sparked debate over authenticity, shock value, and internet fame. The streamer also dismissed viral slang tied to his name, calling it meaningless social media noise, while his mix…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Charli XCX: Popularity of Brat was ‘heavy, confusing and very vulnerable change’
The singer was speaking on BBC One’s The Graham Norton Show.
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Can a rhythm be owned? What a reggaeton lawsuit reveals about how copyright misunderstands music
A little-known American lawsuit could end up reshaping popular music. A US federal court is preparing to rule on a landmark copyright dispute. At its centre is an interesting question: can a short rhythmic pattern – one that appears in thousands of reggaeton tracks – be owned?
The Conversation
The Conversation
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play