Hitchin MP Bim Afolami has expressed his shock at the brutal killing of his parliamentary colleague Sir David Amess.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, Mr Afolami reacted to tragic events on Friday that saw Sir David lose his life.

Sir David was attacked at his constituency surgery in a callous act that has shocked the nation, prompting local politicians in our area to share their respects.

Sir David, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was attacked on Friday afternoon at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

"Across Parliament, there is total shock about the events of Friday afternoon when our colleague, Sir David Amess MP, was killed at a constituency surgery," Mr Afolami told Nub News.

"Sir David was a kind man, always willing to offer a wise word, give a needed piece of advice, or do a quick favour.

"He was a real presence, a dedicated and long-serving constituency MP, and loved by all those who knew him.

"My thoughts are with his family, friends and staff at this incredibly difficult time."

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On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will lead MPs in paying tribute to their late colleague in the House of Commons, with Nub News sister site Letchworth Nub News reporting Letchworth MP Sir Oliver Heald honouring Sir David.

The tributes will be followed by a service at St Margaret's Church, next to Parliament.

Detectives are continuing to hold a 25-year-old man at a London police station in connection with the crime and have until Friday to question him.

Mr Afolami added: "Over the coming weeks there will need to be important conversations about the security of MPs and our staff, to ensure that we can continue to be as responsive and engaged in in-person activity as possible, whilst staying safe."