The 69-year-old was attacked on Friday afternoon at a surgery in his Southend West constituency. The MP sadly died despite emergency services' best efforts to save his life at the scene. Essex Police confirmed a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

       In a statement they said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea.

       "We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October).

       "We attended and found a man injured. He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.

       "A 25 year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.

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

       MPs from across the House of Commons have reacted to the horrific news on social media.

       Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff.”

       Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner added: "I'm horrified by the reports regarding David Amess and an incident at his constituency surgery today.

       "We don't know the details yet but on behalf of all of us in the Labour Party I want to say all of our thoughts are with David and we all hope that he pulls through and is ok."

       Conservative MP and former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith described the incident as “appalling”.

       He tweeted: “My thoughts are with David Amess MP and his family at this awful time.

       "Praying for a full recovery following this appalling, shocking news. This angry, violent behaviour cannot be tolerated in politics or any other walk of life..."

       Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon said the news was “awful and frightening”.

       She added: “Thoughts with David Amess, his family and team at this worrying time. Hope he recovers fully from this serious attack.”

       Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: “Sending my thoughts and prayers to David Amess, his family and friends. Such shocking and terrible news.”

       Former Prime Minister David Cameron added: “Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea.

       “My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David Amess and his family.”

       London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "Truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family, staff and the community at this incredibly difficult time."

       Education Nadhim Zahawi described Sir David as “committed public servant" and said his thoughts were with his family.

       Essex Police said officers were called at around 12pm following reports of a stabbing in Eastwood Road North.

       A large police presence remains in the area while an investigation takes place.

       The road between Bellhouse Lane and Oakwood Avenue has been sealed off.

       The incident on Friday afternoon comes five years after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed in a knife attack in her Batley and Spen constituency.

       Sir David became the Tory MP for Basildon in 1983 and served in the constituency for 14 years.

       At the 1997 general election, he stood in the Southend West seat and remained there ever since.