ST HELENS MPs have paid tribute to Sir David Amess after he was stabbed to death at an open advice surgery for his constituents in Essex.

The Southend West MP was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex at midday on Friday and died at the scene.

A 25-year-old man was arrested immediately at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Official sources have said that the man is believed to be a British national with Somali heritage.

Metropolitan Police declared the incident an act of terrorism, with early investigations revealing “a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”

Labour MP for St Helens South and Whiston, Marie Rimmer, tweeted: "I am shocked and saddened to hear that Sir David Amess has been killed while doing his job.

"My heart goes out to his family, staff and friends. I will pray for you all."

St Helens North MP, Conor McGinn, retweeted a statement from Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer that read: "This is a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before."