Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed several times at a surgery in his Southend West constituency, according to reports.
The 69-year-old victim, who has been an MP since 1983, was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex midday.
The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon joins outpouring of tributes after Tory MP David Amess dies
In a statement, Essex Police 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.”
Essex Police said the investigation is being led by counter-terror officers, with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington saying: “It will be for investigators to determine whether or not this is a terrorist incident, but as always they will keep an open mind.”
Aerial footage showed multiple police officers outside the church and an air ambulance at the scene.
A large cordon extended down Eastwood Road, with members of the public gathering behind it, and multiple side streets closed off.
Following the news, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to the MP. "This is awful beyond words," she said. "My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David's family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace."
She added: “Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today.
“In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents.”
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