Cornwall has been sending tributes following the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess. 

Sir David, 69, was a member of parliament for Southend West and was holding a surgery in his constituency when a man entered and reportedly proceeded to stab him several times, according to witnesses. 

The surgery was being held at a church in Leigh-on-Sea and Essex Police have said that a 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

It has been reported that Amess was treated for his injuries by emergency services for some time but, sadly, he died at the scene.

Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory described the incident as "an attack on our democracy." 

She  said on Facebook: "Desperately sad and upset to see the news about Sir David this afternoon. My thoughts are with his wife, children and staff. He was an utter gentleman.

"MP advice surgeries are done so we can be approachable and help those who are vulnerable, and want questions and concerns addressed. Just this morning I held my own advice surgery in Truro.

"Whatever your politics, this is an attack on our democracy."

Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall, tweeted: "Sir David was a true friend to us all and will be missed."

And Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess following his death today, after being attacked at a constituency advice surgery.

"This is another occasion where a Member of Parliament has been killed going about their day to day work, serving the community they have been elected to represent."

Among those also sending tributes was the leader of Cornwall Council, who spoke of her shock and sadness after hearing of Mr Amess's death.

Leader of Cornwall Council, Linda Taylor, released a statement via her social media channel saying: "I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of MP Sir David Amess.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time."