Swindon’s MPs have paid tribute to colleague Sir David Amess.

The Conservative MP for Southend West, 69, was stabbed multiple times at his constituency surgery in Leigh. The surgery was held at the Belfairs Methodist Church on Eastwood Road North. 

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and Essex Police have recovered a knife.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson and South Swindon MP Robert Buckland expressed their shock at the news.

Mr Tomlinson said: “There are no words. Yet again the best pay the ultimate price.

“His passion, joy, and warmth in Parliamentary duties always shone through.

“Like Jo Cox, he was a good-natured and nice person and someone in the community people could approach.

I’ve known him for many years as a parliamentary colleague and he was so good-humoured, kind, helpful and entertaining. 

“The way he used the end of term debates to literally raise any issue any resident had ever flagged with him in the preceding months was an absolute joy to watch.

“He wore his passion on his sleeve and he had that unique way of linking his community to how parliament worked.  

“I’m just at a loss for him and his family and it’s such a shock.”

Sir David is the first serving MP to be killed since Jo Cox was murdered in 2016.

He was an MP for 38 years and had been MP for Southend West since 1997.

 

Mr Buckland said: “This is truly dreadful news about my friend and colleague Sir David Amess. 

“David was a dedicated and long-serving MP and a popular colleague, who lost his life whilst doing his job.

“My thoughts are with his family and his constituency team.” 

An air ambulance was called to the scene and Sir David was treated by emergency service workers but he died of his injuries.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Like many of you I have just learned of the shocking and tragic news of the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. 

“My heart goes out to those who were close to Sir David following this unimaginable news.

“It would appear that the emergency services have reacted promptly and have arrested a suspect in relation to this crime.

“My thoughts and those of my Wiltshire Police colleagues go out to his family at this most tragic time.”

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said there will be a review of MPs’ security.