Powys politicians have paid tribute to a Member of Parliament who has died after being stabbed at his constituency surgery.

Conservative MP Sir David Amess was killed while meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex today (Friday, October 15).

Politicians from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to the 69-year-old who sadly lost his life.

Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams said he was "heartbroken" by today's reports.

He said: "Heartbroken. Genuinely one of the nicest colleagues. All my love to his family and team."

County Times: Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire, Conservative) and Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire, Conservative)Craig Williams (Montgomeryshire, Conservative) and Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire, Conservative) (Image: Archive.)

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said: "The worst possible news. He went into the House in the same year as my dad.

"Not only a brilliant constituency MP, David was kind and funny to everyone he met.

"Truly terrible day. Heartfelt condolences to his family."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and Mid and West Wales Senedd member Jane Dodds said she was "utterly devastated".

"This is a shameful act of violence that no public servant should face.

"My thoughts and prayers are with David's family, friends and colleagues at this horrendous time."

James Evans, Welsh Conservative Senedd member for Brecon and Radnorshire, said it was "horrific news". "Thoughts and prayers with Sir David Amess family and friends," he added.

Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party county councillor for Llanyre and Newbridge-on-Wye, Claire Mills, said: "No matter which political party a politician represents or where they stand on certain issues, they are working to help the people they work for, the voters.

"We all expect access to our elected representatives but they deserve to expect personal safety."

Welsh Liberal Democrat county councillor for Llandrindod South Pete Roberts said: "Irrespective of their affiliations parliamentarians are public servant and they deserve respect when working in the community. Thoughts completely with his family at present."

A 25-year-old suspect has been arrested after the Tory veteran was stabbed several times during a “very distressing” incident at a constituency surgery in Essex.

The 69-year-old victim, who has been an MP since 1983, was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex midday on Friday.

Witnesses described the scene as “very distressing”.

Essex Police said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in #LeighonSea.

"We were called to Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm. Sadly, a man later died."