THE world of politics has reacted with shock following the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

Brighton MP Caroline Lucas offered her thoughts and prayers to Sir David after he was stabbed multiple times outside a constituency surgery.

She said the incident, which happened while the MP for Southend West was hosting a weekly meeting with constituents at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, was "terrible news".

Steve Bell, leader of Brighton and Hove's Conservative group, said: "David was a true gentleman who loved all things in life and so enjoyed helping others. 

"He was a main player in fundraising for the Dame Vera Lynn statue. 

"A less known fact was he kept Budgerigars in his House of Commons office and you could hear them tweeting all day. 

"He is a great loss to Parliament and to us as a Party."

Sir David, who was the MP for Southend West, had been hosting a weekly meeting with constituents at a Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea.

It has now been confirmed that the 69-year-old has died from his injuries.

Essex Police have said that a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a knife was recovered from the scene.

Reaction has been pouring in from across the political spectrum and flags around Westminster are being flown at half-mast.

In an emotional tribute, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "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."

Sir David was first elected in 1983 and was one of the longest-serving MPs in the current parliament.

His death comes five years after Labour MP Jo Cox was attacked and killed outside a constituency surgery by a far-right extremist.

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