North Shropshire's MP Owen Paterson has paid tribute to his colleague Sir David Amess after the Southend MP was killed during his constituency surgery yesterday (October 15).

The Conservative MP for Southend West died at his surgery in Leigh On Sea, after a man reportedly ran into the church where it was being held and stabbed the MP "several times".

Yesterday, Essex Police confirmed a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

In a statement on social media, North Shropshire's Conservative MP Owen Paterson described Sir David Amess as "one of the nicest people in Parliament" and an "unfailing champion of his constituents."

"Appalling that David has died. He was one of the nicest people in Parliament and hugely supportive of his colleagues," he said.

"He was a tremendous spokesman for Southend West... MPs should be able to do their jobs in safety.

"My thoughts are with him, his family and his friends. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Meanwhile Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes also added a short tribute, describing David Amess as "much liked and respected."

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess," he said.

"He was a much liked and respected Member of Parliament and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and staff."

Sir David had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.

He is the second serving MP to be killed in the past five years, following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer laid flowers at the scene together on Saturday morning.