First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has sent her condolences to the family of Conservative MP David Amess, after he tragically died following a knife attack in his constituency office in Leigh-on-Sea.
Posting on Twitter, the First Minister said: "This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
"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."
Sir David Amess, who represented Southend West in Essex, England, was stabbed this afternoon at one of his surgeries in his constituency, police have confirmed.
A spokesperson for Essex Police has said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion 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.
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"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident."
Other tributes have flooded in from other Scottish councillors following the incident.
SNP Councillor for Perth City Centre, Eric Drysdale, wrote: "This is truly appalling. Sincere condolences to his family and all who worked with him and knew him."
