The death of MP Sir David Amess following a stabbing at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Southend on Friday has led to tributes and an expression of shock by public officials.

The Tory MP for Southend West was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North.

A man reportedly ran into the church, before the MP was stabbed "several times".

Sir David, 69, a prominent MP, is a huge member of the Make Southend a City campaign, first for Basildon and then for Southend West since 1997.

MPs and many others have paid tribute to Sir Amess.

How did Boris Johnson react to the incident?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that all our hearts are filled with “shock” and “sadness” according to the PA News Agency.

He added: "The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.

"He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable."

Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, tweeted out in tribute.

She posted: "Sir David Amess was a gentleman. He will be missed by everyone who cares about the importance of public-facing, accountable politics. This is terrible news."

SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon described the incident as "awful beyond words".

"My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace," she added.

Simon Clarke MP described Sir Amess as a "kind and gentle" man.

"He absolutely loved his constituency and Parliament and was always positive and a delight to be around. I am so very sorry," he added.

MSP Jackson Carlaw said: "Shocked and appalled at the death of Sir David Amess. An MP who had visited & taken an interest in the Scottish Parliament and the work that we do.

"A genuinely lovely man and my thoughts with his family on this tragic day."

Conservative Minister for Pacific and the Environment Zac Goldsmith also voiced his condolences.

"David Amess, a wonderful and kind man, one of Parliament's greatest ever champions and advocates for animals. This news is just so horrific, and utterly utterly heartbreaking," he said.

"I thank David for all his wonderful work for the voiceless, and may he rest in peace."

Labour MP Yvette Cooper described Sir Ammes as one of the "friendliest people you could meet".

She added: "Completely dedicated to serving his constituency, involved in so many causes & important work on animal welfare. But above all, just kind and keen to help others. We will all miss him."

The response from the Jo Cox Foundation

The stabbing draws comparisons to the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016 when she was on her way to meet constituents at a surgery in Birtsall, West Yorkshire.

A foundation set up in her name paid their tribute to the Southend MP with a statement on Twitter.

"We are devastated to hear the news of the death of Sir David Amess MP. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, staff and colleagues," it read.

"All elected representatives deserve to be safe, and to be treated with respect. Violence and abuse against them is utterly unacceptable. It endangers people and their families, and it endangers democratic life."