DORSET MPs have paid tribute to the news of the fatal stabbing of colleague Sir David Amess.

Sir David Amess, who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked on Friday afternoon at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

He died a few hours later, with one man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Taking to twitter, MP for Bournemouth East, Tobias Ellwood, said: “Deeply alarmed and shocked by the attack on our friend and colleague Sir David as he carried out his constituency duties.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We must all be vigilant.”

MP for Bournemouth West, Conor Burns, tweeted: “Dreadful news from Essex. Thoughts with David Amess, his family and his team. Public service should not have to come with this risk.”

Michael Tomlinson, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sir David Amess. You could not have asked for a more courteous, respected and hardworking MP. May he rest in peace.”