Conservative UK MP Sir David Amess stabbed to death during meeting with constituents

A man has been arrested over the brutal stabbing murder of a British MP during a meeting with constituents.

Conservative MP Sir David Amess was attacked at Leigh-on-Sea, a seaside town east of London.

It is understood a man walked into Belfairs Methodist Church and stabbed the 69-year-old “multiple times” before armed police swooped on the area.

Essex Police confirmed they had arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murder. Sir David died at the scene, according to a brief statement.

“He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene,” the statement said.

“A 25-year-old man was quickly arrested ... and a knife was recovered.

“He is currently in custody. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

Sir David was a member of Parliament for Southend West, which includes Leigh-on-Sea, since 1997.

Stunned politicians from across the political spectrum expressed shock and horror at the stabbing with Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s wife Carrie among the first to lead the tributes for Sir David.

“He was hugely kind and good,” she said.

“This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.”

The killing comes five years after Labour Party MP Jo Cox was fatally stabbed and shot in her northern England constituency.

A far-right extremist was convicted of her murder.

Ms Cox’s husband tweeted: “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”

Sir David leaves behind a wife and five children.