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Sir David Amess stabbing: What we know so far Sir David Amess stabbing: What we know so far
(32 minutes later)
Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex.Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex.
Here's how the attack unfolded and what we know so far.Here's how the attack unfolded and what we know so far.
What happened?What happened?
The MP for Southend West was meeting constituents at a regular surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when he was stabbed several times.The MP for Southend West was meeting constituents at a regular surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, when he was stabbed several times.
Police were called to Eastwood Road North shortly after 12:05 on Friday, where they found Sir David injured. Police were called to Eastwood Road North shortly after 12:05 BST on Friday, where they found Sir David injured.
He was treated by emergency services but died at the scene.He was treated by emergency services but died at the scene.
Aerial footage showed multiple police officers were outside the church and an air ambulance was seen. Aerial footage showed multiple police officers outside the church and an air ambulance was seen.
Follow live updatesFollow live updates
Conservative MP dies after stabbingConservative MP dies after stabbing
Obituary: Conservative MP Sir David AmessObituary: Conservative MP Sir David Amess
Who is the suspect?Who is the suspect?
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers arrived at the scene and a knife was recovered, Essex Police said.A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers arrived at the scene and a knife was recovered, Essex Police said.
He is currently in custody and police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.He is currently in custody and police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
What did witnesses see?
Anthony Finch, who was working nearby, told Sky News: "We arrived to do some work on the adjacent building... and at the point when I was crossing the road I saw an upset lady on the phone saying 'you need to arrive quickly, he's still in the building.'"
He said he had seen armed police, as well as an air ambulance and police helicopter. He told LBC: "It's very odd and it's very distressing, that's for sure."
Lee Jordison, who works for a local butchers and was on the scene shortly after the stabbing, told the BBC everyone in the area was in a state of shock.
"Something like this doesn't happen - not in all the years I've been round this way."
Sir David was a champion for the town he represented
Who was Sir David Amess?Who was Sir David Amess?
Sir David, who was married with five children, served as an MP for 38 years, initially in Basildon from 1983, before representing Southend West from 1997.Sir David, who was married with five children, served as an MP for 38 years, initially in Basildon from 1983, before representing Southend West from 1997.
Raised as a Roman Catholic, he was known politically as a social conservative and a prominent campaigner against abortion and on animal welfare issues. Raised as a Roman Catholic, he was known politically as a social conservative and a prominent campaigner against abortion. He was also a committed campaigner on animal welfare issues, and supported a ban on fox hunting.
The 69-year-old was also a Brexit supporter and vocal champion for the town he represented, particularly in his long-running campaign to make Southend a city. The 69-year-old was a Brexit supporter and vocal champion for the town he represented, particularly in his long-running campaign to make Southend a city.
While he was never a minister, he was a member of numerous Commons committees, including the Health and Social Care and Backbench Business Committee.While he was never a minister, he was a member of numerous Commons committees, including the Health and Social Care and Backbench Business Committee.
Born in Plaistow in east London in 1952, he went to school in London and taught at a school in the city. He was a recruitment consultant before becoming an MP.
He was knighted in the 2015 New Year's Honours List for political and public service.
How have people reacted?How have people reacted?
Flags are flying at half mast at Downing Street after the news of Sir David's death and tributes are coming in from across the political spectrum. The prime minister is also expected to speak later. Flags are flying at half mast at Downing Street and tributes are coming in from across the political spectrum. The prime minister is expected to speak later.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she was "devastated" and that Sir David was a "lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian", while Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said "he was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all". Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said she was "devastated" and that Sir David was a "lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian".
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said he was "heartbroken", adding: "A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit - including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend."Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said he was "heartbroken", adding: "A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit - including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend."
Health Secretary Sajid Javid described him as "a great man, a great friend, and a great MP" while former Conservative prime minister David Cameron added: "This is the most devastating, horrific and tragic news.
"David Amess was a kind and thoroughly decent man - and he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet."
Former prime minister Sir John Major said: "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."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the stabbing was "horrific and deeply shocking", while Labour MP Yvette Cooper said Sir David was "one of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet".Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the stabbing was "horrific and deeply shocking", while Labour MP Yvette Cooper said Sir David was "one of the kindest, friendliest people you could meet".
He was "completely dedicated to serving his constituency" and "involved in so many causes and important work on animal welfare" but "above all just kind and keen to help others". Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was "deeply saddened" at the "truly despicable and horrifying act".
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was "deeply saddened" at the "truly despicable and horrifying act". First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: "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." First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said: "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."
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said it was "tragic" news and "a truly terrible day for British politics".Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said it was "tragic" news and "a truly terrible day for British politics".