Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen has paid tribute to murdered colleague Sir David Amess who was stabbed to death in his Leigh on Sea constituency today (Friday) - and says he is 'shocked and saddened'.

Sir David was conducting an MPs surgery when he was attacked by a man who was then arrested.

Mr Bridgen tweeted a video to remember Sir David and said: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic news of the murder of Sir David Amess.

"He was an experienced, old hand MP when I arrived in the House 12 years ago.

"Always cheerful and a thoroughly decent man who loved his constituency and his constituents, and has sadly given his life in the service of his constituency.

"I accept the tree of democracy is watered by the blood of martyrs, but it's happening too often.

'It's deeply sad."

The BBC Website gave more details of the incident.

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.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Our hearts are full of shock and sadness" at the loss of "one of the kindest" people in politics.

Sir David, 69, had been an MP since 1983 and was married with five children.