FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has joined politicians from across the spectrum in paying tribute to Conservative MP David Amess after he was allegedly murdered at a constituency surgery.

Reports from the scene, at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, say that a man had been arrested after the incident, and that police are not looking for anyone further.

Essex Police said that a man had died at the scene of the stabbing.

In a statement, the force 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.”

Amess had represented Southend West since 1997. 

Politicians from across party lines have paid tribute to the long-serving MP.

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote: "This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace."

"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," she added.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "I am shocked, and hugely saddened, by the death of David Amess. He was a great Parliamentarian, and one of the kindest and best people in the House of Commons. My thoughts are with his family at this terrible time."

His Cabinet colleague, Health Secretary Sajid Javid, added: "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."

The Prime Minister's wife, Carrie Johnson, added: "Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children."

Speaking later, Boris Johnson said he thought "all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP".

He went on: “I think people are so shocked and saddened is above all because he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics, and he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, whether the people who are suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals, or doing a huge amount to reduce the fuel poverty suffered by people up and down the country.

“David was a man who believed passionately in this country and in its future.

“And we’ve lost today a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague, and our thoughts are very much today with his wife, his children, and his family.”

The National: Prime Minister Boris Johnson outside 10 Downing Street

SNP MPs Ian Blackford and Stewart McDonald also paid tribute, with Blackford calling the news "utterly devastating".

He went on: "In recent years, we have seen increasingly unacceptable levels of abuse and intimidation aimed at MPs, parliamentary staff and public figures. At its worst, this has resulted in violent attacks.

"All of us are united in sadness today, and in calling for an end to this abuse, intimidation and violence. It is a threat to our democracy - and it has to stop."

McDonald added: "I’m horrified to hear that David Amess has been killed. He was a gent, always on hand to help and give advice to younger MPs with good humour.

"He was also a successor to the late Teddy Taylor, who David put me in touch with after I mentioned Teddy in my maiden speech."

Labour's shadow foreign secretary, Lisa Nandy MP, wrote: "Finding it difficult to comprehend that David Amess has been murdered. Sending all my love to David’s family and friends. It’s unimaginable to think what they must be going through."

Former prime minister Gordon Brown wrote: "Saddened and shocked to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. My condolences to his family and friends."

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont also paid tribute, writing: "It is with great sadness that I learnt the killing of Sir David Amess MP, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Catalonia. My thoughts are with his family and friends in these difficult and painful moments."

The incident comes five years after Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered as she arrived to host a surgery in her Batley and Spen constituency in June 2016.

Her widower, Brendan Cox, tweeted: “Attacking our elected representatives is an attack on democracy itself. There is no excuse, no justification. It is as cowardly as it gets.”

Following news of Amess's death, the Jo Cox foundation wrotesaid it was "horrified to hear the news of the attack on Sir David Amess MP. We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time".

Witness Anthony Finch described seeing someone being taken out of the building and put into the back of a police car.

The National: Armed police officers outside the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, EssexArmed police officers outside the Belfairs Methodist Church in Eastwood Road North, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

He told LBC: “At that point obviously we knew something serious had happened.

“Within five minutes we’d been informed by someone who was actually in the building what had happened, and apparently he [Amess] had been stabbed quite a few times.”

He added: “It’s very odd and it’s very distressing, that’s for sure."