Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was «really shocked» to hear of the death of Conservative MP David Amis, who died at the age of 69 after being stabbed in a constituency surgery.
The MP for Southend West in Essex, suffered multiple injuries in the attack on Belvers Methodist Church in Les-on-Sea.
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A police officer guards where MP David Amis was stabbed during an operation in Lee-on-Sea, Britain, October 15, 2021. REUTERS/Tony O’Brien
A suspect has been arrested.
Expressions of appreciation poured into the MP, who was one of the longest serving MPs in Parliament.
Mr. Martin expressed his deepest condolences to his wife, Julia, children, family and friends.
This evening, Tanisti Leo Varadkar also expressed his sympathy, saying: «No one, anywhere, including in politics or public service, should fear for his safety while doing his job.»
Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said his condolences to Mr. Amis’ family, friends and political colleagues after the «horrific and tragic incident».
Prime Minister Boris Johnson salutes his fellow Conservative Party member as he described the man as «one of the nicest and kindest people in politics».
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A police officer guards where MP David Amis was stabbed during an operation in Lee-on-Sea, Britain, October 15, 2021. REUTERS/Tony O’Brien
«David was a man of great faith in this country and its future and today we have lost a wonderful civil servant and a very beloved friend and colleague,» Johnson added.
“Our thoughts today are very much with his wife, children and family.
“I think everyone is very shocked and heartbroken. We should really leave the police to start their investigation.”
Shocked and sad to hear this. My sincere condolences to David Ames’ family, friends, elites and colleagues. No person anywhere, including in politics or public service, should fear for their safety while doing their work https://t.co/UjpiM2aYrM
– Leo Varadkar October 15 2021
The father of five is the second sitting MP to have been killed in such circumstances in five years, after Labor MP Jo Cox died in 2016 while undergoing surgery in a constituency.
Witnesses described the scene as «extremely distressing» as Sir David was treated by emergency services at the scene before he died from his injuries.
Essex Police said: «We were called to an address in Eastwood North Rd shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October).
“We came and found a wounded man.
«He was treated by emergency services but unfortunately 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 found.
«He is currently detained.
We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.»
All of our hearts are filled with shock and sorrow at the passing of MP Sir David Amis.
He was one of the nicest, kindest, kindest people in politics. pic.twitter.com/SIx6SZ1P3w
– Boris Johnson October 15 2021
Mr. Amis has been a Member of Parliament since 1983 and was married with five children.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, confirmed that flags throughout Parliament are being flown at half-mast in honor of the Member of Parliament.
Flags were lowered across Parliament at half-mast following news of the murder of Sir David Amis. Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/0LDI8E5NpU
– Sir Lindsey Hoyle (@CommonsSpeaker) October 15 2021
Flags in Downing Street also fly at half mast in her honor.
The first floral tribute was placed on a police cordon erected at the crime scene.
The greeting given by a young woman read: «Silent thought, quiet prayer, for someone special in God’s care. May you rest in peace.»
Essex Police are still running the cordon as forensic officers conduct their investigation, which began after the Conservative MP was stabbed around lunchtime on Friday.
Praise has also been pushed across the political spectrum.
Very shocking and shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff.
– Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 15 2021
Former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted: «So sad to hear of the passing of Sir David Amis.
«An honorable man and a respected deputy who was killed in his community in the line of public duties. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family.»
Her predecessor David Cameron also paid tribute to the Member of Parliament in the Southend West.
David Cameron wrote online: «This is the most devastating, horrific and tragic news. David Amis was a kind and utterly respectful man – and the most committed MP you could hope to meet.»
«Words cannot adequately express the horror of what happened today. For now, my heart goes out to David’s family.»
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will unite in today’s grief and shock.
The Jo Cox Foundation is horrified to hear of the attack on MP Sir David Amis. We think of him, his family and loved ones at this sad time.
JoCoxFoundation October 15 2021
Sir John Major added: «This is truly heartbreaking news for a good and respected man who has – for more than 30 years – been a dedicated public servant.
«My heart is with his family.»
“In a democracy, politicians should be available and open to scrutiny, but no one deserves to kill themselves while working for and representing their electors.”
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Police are seen at the scene where MP David Amis was stabbed during an operation, in Les-on-Sea, Britain, October 15, 2021. (Reuters) / Tony O’Brien
Welsh First Minister Mark Druckford added: «Very sad to hear of the death of Sir David Amis. A despicable and appalling act.
«My thoughts are with his friends, family and constituency staff during this difficult time.»
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: «This is tragic and appalling news. My thoughts are with David’s wife and children, the wider family, friends and David’s community.
«A truly terrible day for British politics but most of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David.»
SNP MP Muhairi Black said: «This is the most appalling news. Hearing that a public servant was attacked in the line of duty in his constituency is simply heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
“Surgeries are an important part of MPs’ work. It is a place where people talk about the most personal struggles. They should be a safe place for everyone, including politicians and their staff.”