Rev Clifford Newman, above, of Belfairs Methodist Church, started his job just two weeks ago.

       He said words will "never fully express" how members are feeling, and the church would have to "pick up the pieces".

       He added: "It's not just an MP, it's a father, it's a husband to his wife. As for the church, a church is not just a building, it is full of members. It hits them personally and it's going to be hard for them to overcome."

       Rev Newman said there is no justification for what happened, "no matter what your belief".

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       He added: "This man served his community as best he could. To take his life is just devastating and reprehensible .

       "I've been here two weeks but it doesn't matter if it is two weeks or two years, it's still devastating.

       "No words will express how we really feel."