The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid tribute to a Member of Parliament who was stabbed to death today. The death of David Amess has left the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge “shocked and saddened.”

At midday on Friday, the Southend West MP was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, and died at the scene.

In a personal tweet, William and Kate expressed their condolences to Sir David’s family, friends, and colleagues, saying their “thoughts and prayers” are with them.

They tweeted, “We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues. W & C.”

We are shocked and saddened by the murder of Sir David Amess, who dedicated 40 years of his life to serving his community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues. W & C

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2021

The emergency services responded immediately to the incident, according to Essex Police, and officers arrived on the scene within minutes.

Following the attack in Leigh-on-Sea, near Southend, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Sir David, 69, was “simply dispensing his duties when his life was horrifically cut short,” according to Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington.