MORE than 100 people attended a vigil for Sir David Amess tonight after the MP was stabbed to death at his constituency surgery in Essex.

       The gathering - barely half a mile from where the veteran MP was murdered- heard how Sir David was always interested in the people of his constituency.

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       A vigil was held in Sir David's honour this evening Credit: Reuters 8

       A paramedic was among those paying tribute Credit: Reuters 8

       Mourners paid their respects at Saint Peter's Catholic Church this evening Credit: Getty 8

       Sir David was brutally stabbed to death earlier today Credit: Rex

       Sir David, who represents Southend West in Essex, was attacked just after midday by a 25-year-old knifeman at Belfairs Methodist Church.

       Paramedics frantically battled to save the stricken MP but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

       Tonight, a vigil was held in his honour at St Peter’s church in Eastwood, Essex.

       It comes as...

       Sir David Amess, 69, dies after being stabbed several times at Tory constituency surgery as man, 25, arrested for murder Husband of murdered Jo Cox says Sir David Amess’ killing ‘brings everything back’ after wife’s tragic death Sir David Amess called for action on knife crime seven months before he was stabbed to death

       Worshippers sat with their heads in hands, some in tears as they remembered the much-loved MP who was first elected to parliament in 1983.

       Father Jeffrey Woolnough said: “Have you ever known Sir David without that happy smile on his face?

       “The greeting he would give was always that wonderful smile.

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       “He died doing the thing he loved. Meeting his local constituents.”

       Father Woolnough said Sir David was ‘old school’ bringing his east end sense of life to his approach with people, making himself open and available to everyone, whether poor or rich.

       He also described the killing as a "wicked and tragic act".

       It comes after horrified constituents watched on as Sir David was killed.

       The MP's condition was not immediately known but police have now confirmed the married dad-of-five has sadly died after the attack.

       He is the ninth MP to be murdered in the UK and sixth since World War Two.

       And his death tragically comes just months after he begged Boris Johnson to tackle the knife crime epidemic plaguing Britain.

       Stunned MPs from all politic spectrums have condemned the horror.

       Flags have also been lowered to half mast outside Parliament and a planned interview with Boris Johnson that was due to take place today has been cancelled.

       The Prime Minister tonight led tributes to the MP, describing him as a "much-loved friend and colleague".

       Mr Johnson said: "All our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom.

       "David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future and we have lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague."

       Robert Halfon, Tory MP for Harlow and a friend of Sir David's, told The Sun: "He was the embodiment of Essex man.

       "He was just the most wonderful and kindest and funny and compassionate politicians that we had the lucky to know in our lifetimes."

       Chancellor Rishi Sunak tweeted: "The worst aspect of violence is its inhumanity. It steals joy from the world and can take from us that which we love the most.

       "Today it took a father, a husband, and a respected colleague. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David's loved ones."

       'FAMILY MAN'

       Judith Cannon, deputy chair of the local conservative club and friend of Sir David told Sky: "I just don't believe it, how anyone could harm a kind man like David, I don't know.

       "I cannot understand how anyone could be so wicked to harm this man.

       "We love him dearly. Nobody is perfect but he is as near perfect as it's possible to be."

       Councillor John Lamb described Sir David as as an "amicable" family man.

       He said: "He's a family man, he's got four daughters and a son.

       "He's always trying to help people and especially refugees he's tried to help. He's a very amicable person and he does stick by his guns, he says what he believes and he sticks by it."

       Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted: "Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.

       "My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life."

       Theresa May wrote: "Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties.

       "A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family."

       Communities Secretary Michael Gove tweeted: "David Amess's passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.

       "He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family."

       'TRUE PARLIAMENTARIAN'

       Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: "Awful, tragic news about David.

       "A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career.

       "My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

       While Sadiq Khan said: "I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away.

       "He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful.

       "My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David's loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief."

       Essex Police confirmed today a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and said they are not looking for anyone else.

       The force said: "We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today.

       "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."

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       The MP was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea earlier today Credit: Nick Obank 8

       The dad-of-five pictured with wife Julie and four of his children 8

       Boris Johnson paid tribute to Sir David today Credit: Universal News & Sport

       Sir David Amess – Boris Johnson says ‘our hearts are filled with shock and sadness’ after MP stabbed to death