Stirling’s MP has paid tribute to Sir David Amess following his horrifying death last week.
Mr Amess, the Conservative MP for Southend West, was killed after being stabbed during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church, in Leigh-on-Sea, in what police are describing as a “terrorist incident”.
He was married with four daughters and a son.
A 25-year-old man was arrested and remains in police custody.
He has been detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and a warrant of further detention, which allows detectives to hold the suspect until October 22, was granted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said this week he had briefly worked alongside the MP in his role as the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesperson.
Mr Smith told the Observer: “This attack was shocking news, and the subsequent announcement that he had died is a human tragedy.
“I only met him a couple of times through his work as chair of the All Party Group on Qatar and my role as foreign affairs spokesperson and he always seemed approachable and willing to work cross party, which I always appreciate.
“My thoughts are with his family and also his staff who will all be feeling bereft.”
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It is understood Police Scotland wrote to all MPs and MSPs to advise them of safety measures following the MP’s death.
When asked whether he would favour having police presence at MP surgeries or any other safety measures, Mr Smith added: “I do not think any further comment or speculation about security and politicians is appropriate for now while things are still so raw and we should beware knee-jerk reactions.
“I will continue to serve the people of Stirling as I have been since my election.”
Former Conservative Stirling MP Stephen Kerr described Sir David as ”a dear and much-loved man. Kindness personified.”
Stirling SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed took to Twitter to say: “Horrified to hear this dreadful news. Civic society cannot tolerate such violence.”
