In England, Conservative MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery in Essex.
Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack at a church in Leigh-on-Sea.
They said they recovered a knife and were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. Sir David, 69, had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.
He was a popular and respected figure and tributes have come from across the British political spectrum:
Labour leader Keir Starmer shared his shock at the new of the Southend MP’s death. “Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff,” he wrote.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron said Amess’ death was “the most devastating, horrific and tragic news“.
“David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man – & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet,” he wrote.
“Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David’s family.”
Brendan Cox, whose wife Jo Cox MP was murdered in her constituency by a far-right extremist in 2016, wrote on Twitter: “My thoughts and love are with David’s family. They are all that matter now.
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. All my thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s loved ones.”
