The 69-year-old Conservative Party MP, who represents Southend West in Essex, was stabbed by a man who walked into his constituency meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea. He was treated by emergency services but tragically died at the scene. On September 6, Sir David Amess spoke at the Conference of the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Budapest about our involvement in Afghanistan and the importance of intelligence agencies. Sir David was a keynote speaker joined by industry experts, CEOs and Government officials from across the world.

       During the event, the Conservative Party MP spoke about the importance of promoting international peace and safety.

       Towards the end of his speech, Sir David told those in attendance: "Countries have recently done what they had to do in the short-term – taking their armed forces and nationals out of Afghanistan whilst trying to offer support for those families still stuck in the country.

       "However, this is not a short-term problem that will simply disappear.

       "We needed a strong exit plan with a clear programme for the future.

       "Efficient cooperation domestically and internationally is what will speed up the process of ceasing violent threats.

       "We should be using intelligence agencies and Government officials to promote peace and facilitate talks between countries and terrorist groups. Our work in Afghanistan has only just begun."

       Essex Police said in a statement officers had arrived at the scene in Eastwood Road North shortly after midday.

       A knife was recovered from the area and a man arrested.

       The statement said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing in Eastwood Road North, #LeighonSea shortly after 12.05pm today.

       "Officers were on scene shortly after, arrested a man and recovered a knife. He is currently in custody.

       "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.

       "We want to thank the public who alerted us to the incident so quickly."

       Around an hour later, police said Sir David had died.

       The statement said: "He (Amess) was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene," police said.

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

       In a tweet, former Prime Minister David Cameron had said: "Very alarming and worrying news reports coming from Leigh-on-Sea.

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

       Conservative MP and former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith 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."

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

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