Havering's MPs are in a state of shock over the sudden loss of Sir David Amess.

The Tory MP for Southend West was fatally stabbed this afternoon (October 15) while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea.

Essex Police confirmed the 69-year-old father of five died at the scene at the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. A knife was recovered at the scene by officers.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell's office issued a statement: "Andrew is in a state of shock and grief at this appalling news.

"Sir David was a close friend of Andrew's and was in Romford as recently as August for Andrew's 20th anniversary celebration. He will be making a statement shortly."

Conservative colleague Julia Lopez described Sir David as "a gentle person, a kind person, someone who gave his life in service".

The representative for Hornchurch and Upminster wrote: "His death in that service is not only an unacceptable attack on an innocent man but on our democracy.

"I pray for his family and for his constituency team at this unspeakably awful time."

Chair of the Romford Conservative Association, Havering councillor Judith Holt, said "everyone in the Romford Conservative Association is horrified and deeply grieved" to hear the news.

"David was a wonderful friend and supporter of Andrew Rosindell MP and all in Romford," she said.

"He served his constituents in Essex with devotion and loyalty for almost 40 years and was a true British patriot.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues at this dreadful time."

Brendan Cox, widower of Labour MP Jo Cox who was murdered in an attack in 2016, described the stabbing as "as cowardly as it gets".

He tweeted: "Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets."

Essex Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a stabbing just after 12.05pm today (October 15).

An Essex Police spokesperson said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public."

Police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, said: “This is a shocking and utterly despicable attack against somebody who was an outstanding MP and has worked tirelessly for their community for many, many years.

"My prayers are with Sir David’s family at this incredibly difficult time. I also want to acknowledge the officers who attended the event for their bravery and courage.

“It is vital that we give the police all our support to ensure that they can do their job at this time. For anybody who has information please do not hesitate to contact the police.”

Following the tragic murder of Sir David Amess MP, has released the following statement.

Romford Conservative Association chairman, Cllr Judith Holt, said: “Everyone in the Romford Conservative Association is horrified and deeply grieved to hear of the murder of Sir David Amess MP.

"David was a wonderful friend and supporter of Andrew Rosindell M.P. and all of in Romford.

"He served his constituents in Essex with devotion and loyalty for almost forty years and was a true British patriot.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues at this dreadful time.”