The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess at his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Southend on Friday led to an outpouring of support and 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 in the last hour, before the MP was stabbed "several times".

MPs and many others wished Sir David well before the news of his death was announced.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan sent out his thoughts and prayers.

"Truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David Amess MP, his family and the community at this incredibly difficult time," he said.

Labour Leader Keir Starmer tweeted: "Horrific and deeply shocking news. Thinking of David, his family and his staff."

Deputy Leader of the Labour Paryy Angela Rayner tweeted out: "I’m horrified by the reports regarding David Amess and an incident at his constituency surgery today.

"We don’t know the details yet but on behalf of all of us in the Labour Party I want to say all of our thoughts are with David and we all hope that he pulls through and is ok."

The Green Party tweeted out: "We’re shocked to hear of the attack on Sir David Amess at his constituency surgery this afternoon. Thinking of him and his family.

"It’s a basic requirement of an open democracy that MPs are able to meet their constituents in safety."

Ian Blackford, the SNP MP also sent out his thoughts and prayers

He tweeted: "This is truly awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with David and his family."

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 reacted to the incident.

They tweeted out: "The Jo Cox Foundation is horrified to hear the news of the attack on Sir David Amess MP.

"We are thinking of him, his family and loved ones at this distressing time.