Kindest, nicest, most gentle: UK PM Boris Johnson on slain MP David Amess

British Conservative lawmaker David Amess died after he was stabbed during a meeting with constituents at a church in eastern England. A 25-year-old has been reportedly arrested. Reacting to his death, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to him in a statement to the BBC saying, “Sir David was one of the most kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics.”

“I think all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom,” he said

“He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable,” he added, “whether [that was helping] people who were suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals or doing a huge amount to reduce the fuel poverty suffered by people up and down the country.”

Essex Police have released a statement officially confirming that the man attacked was Sir David Amess. 

The statement further revealed that a knife has been recovered after a 25-year-old’ arrest on suspicion of murder. It added that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack. They have appealed for witnesses and those with footage to come forward.

Meanwhile, Roger Hirst, the Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said, “This is a shocking and utterly despicable attack against somebody who was an outstanding MP and has worked tirelessly for their community for many, many years,” as per BBC report. 

“My prayers are with Sir David’s family at this incredibly difficult time,” he added. 

“I also want to acknowledge the officers who attended the event for their bravery and courage.”

Sir David Amess had been an MP since 1983 and is survived by his wife and five children.