A Conservative MP has died after he was reportedly stabbed "multiple times" this afternoon, leading to an outpouring of emotion and tributes from figures across Bucks.
Sir David Amess, member of parliament for Southend West, in Essex, was reportedly attacked while holding a surgery today in his constituency.
Essex Police have since announced that a man has died following this incident. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham, has led the tributes, describing Sir David as "genuine, warm and welcoming."
He said: "Heartbreaking news about Sir David.
"Such a genuine, warm, welcoming man and committed Member of Parliament. Will miss him.
"May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends."
Heartbreaking news about Sir David. Such a genuine, warm, welcoming man and committed Member of Parliament. Will miss him. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
— Greg Smith MP (@gregsmith_uk) October 15, 2021
READ MORE: 'Serious' crash causing delays on A40 West Wycombe Road
In a separate statement, Mr Smith condemned the actions of the attacker.
He said: "The pure act of evil that has taken him away from us is truly unforgivable.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace, never forgotten."
Steve Baker, Conservative MP for Wycombe, described Sir David as 'good and kind.'
He said: "My team and I are devastated that Sir David has been killed serving his constituents.
"He was a good and kind man who offered me nothing but goodwill and support.
"Our hearts go out to his family and friends on this terrible day. May he rest in peace."
Sarah Green, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham, said her thoughts were with Sir David's family.
She said: "Awful news coming out of Southend this afternoon.
"My thoughts are with David Amess’ family, friends and staff."
Awful news coming out of Southend this afternoon. My thoughts are with David Amess’ family, friends and staff.
— Sarah Green MP 🔶 (@SarahGreenLD) October 15, 2021
Rob Butler, Tory parliamentarian for Aylesbury, hailed Sir David as a "superb" MP. He said: "I am utterly shocked at this absolutely terrible news.
"Sir David was a superb MP, respected and liked by his colleagues.
"While he will be greatly missed in Parliament, my thoughts and prayers today are with his family and friends."
The Beaconsfield Conservative Association paid its sympathies following the shocking incident.
Utterly devastated and shocked to hear of @sirdavid ‘s fate. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
— Beaconsfield Tories (@BeaconsfieldCCA) October 15, 2021
The Aylesbury Conservative group also extended its thoughts to Sir David's family:
Our thoughts are with Sir David Amess and his family
— Aylesbury Tories (@AylesburyTories) October 15, 2021
In Wycombe, 2019 Liberal Democrat candidate Toni Brodelle gave her sympathies. She said: "Appalling news. Thoughts are with David Amess and his loved ones."
Figures on Bucks Council were also quick to pay their respects, and express their shock.
Leader Martin Tett said: "Awful news about the stabbing and death of David Amess MP. Thoughts with his family.
Meanwhile, Cllr Mimi Harker described her "horror" at the news.
So so shocking and horrific…..no words…just shocked….his poor family. Our thoughts are with them. Who would ever expect your day would bring you this horror….he was a true gentleman and a kind and caring man. What a loss to us all. May he rest in peace.
— Mimi Harker OBE - Presenter, Speaker, Trainer (@MimiHarker) October 15, 2021
Other social media users have expressed their shock and sadness at the news.
One said: "Shocking news about Conservative MP David Ames. Praying for a quick recovery."
Another added: "I am sorry to hear that Tory MP David Ames has been stabbed. Best wishes for a healthy recovery to him and his family at this time.
The Bucks Free Press has reached out to other Buckinghamshire MPs for comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel