Sir David Amess MP: Tributes pour in for Conservative MP who died in a stabbing attack

The chancellor Rishi Sunak has 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."

And the foreign secretary Liz Truss said: "Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP. He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends."

The former prime minister Theresa May has paid tribute to Amess: "Heartbreaking to hear of the death of Sir David Amess. A decent man and respected Parliamentarian, killed in his own community while carrying out his public duties. A tragic day for our democracy. My thoughts and prayers are with David’s family."

Former prime minister Tony Blair said he was “shocked and horrified” by the murder of Sir David Amess. “David and I came into Parliament together in 1983,” he said in a statement.

“Though on opposite political sides I always found him a courteous, decent and thoroughly likeable colleague who was respected across the House.

“This is a terrible and sad day for our democracy.”

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, has remembered his friend, David Amess: "He was the MP for the constituency where I grew up and, not only did he always faithfully serve those people and that place, but had a particular concern for the Christian community born of his own deeply held Christian faith as a member of the Roman Catholic community.

It is shocking that someone so dedicated to his community and public service was the victim of such violence as he went about his elected duty. It is hard to make sense of the horror of what has happened this afternoon but he and his family and those he loves are in my prayers."

David Garston, a local Conservative councillor, paying tribute to Amess, said to the Guardian: "David was everywhere and really put everything into looking after the town."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has said: "This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with David’s wife and children, the wider family, friends and David’s community. A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David."

The Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said: "Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today. In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's wife Carrie Johnson Tweeted: "Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess. He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet: "Awful, tragic news about David. A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."