TRIBUTES have been paid to south Essex MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed just after noon today (Friday, 15 October).

Sir David was meeting Southend West constituents at a regular surgery in Leigh-on-Sea

Essex Police said they were called to reports of a stabbing at 12.05 and arrested a man.

Police recovered a knife and said they were not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.

Sir David was treated at the scene for 90 minutes but it was later confirmed he has died from his wounds.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the political world.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe told Nub News: "I'm devastated and shocked to my core that this could happen to such a dedicated public servant carrying out his normal duties.

"I send my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Julia, his wife, and all his family and friends.

"He will be missed by all who knew him and a loss to Parliament! I really can't believe this could happen to such a kind and considerate man!"

Former Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay was a political adversary of Sir David for many years but says they may have had differing opinions but were good friends.

He told Nub News: "This is a terrible, terrible shock. We might have been political opponents but we were good friends. I held him in the highest regard and with great respect.

"Things like this are an attack on public life. It is deeply shocking and I pay my respect to David and offer my condolences to his family."

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill said: "I was deeply saddened by this terrible news. I have met Sir David on a good number of occasions and it was a tremendous shock to learn of his death.

"He was a fantastic MP, knowledgeable, funny and a true gentleman. His passing is a huge blow to the people of Southend, who he has loyally represented for many years.

"My thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Sir David, 69, had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.

A Conservative backbencher for nearly forty years, he entered Parliament in 1983 as the MP for Basildon.

He switched to Southend West at the 1997 election.

He was known politically as a social conservative and as a prominent campaigner against abortion and on animal welfare issues.