READERS have sent their condolences to an MP who sadly died last week.

They have spoken about the kind-hearted nature of Sir David Amess MP, who was stabbed to death at his surgery in Essex on Friday, and called for tougher restrictions on knife laws.

The Southend West MP was holding his regular surgery, which he had tweeted about earlier in the day.

The police were called to Belfairs Methodist Church at 12.05pm. They arrested a man on suspicion of murder and recovered a knife.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: "This is just the most awful news.

"Sir David was a genuinely kind man, always there with a smile and advice if you needed it. He loved his job and his constituency and he'll be missed hugely by all of us."

Stuckinthemiddles said: "My condolences to Sir David's family this is an unbelievable tragedy. Knife crime is not punished anywhere near hard enough. There is no excuse for carrying a knife in public, you have to have made a conscious decision to carry one and it's about time punishments were severely increased. Automatic jail time for carrying a knife should be the minimum. This man was just doing his job and and it is a sad day for our country."

Notfarwrong pointed out: "Changing the law in this way would not have prevented this crime. He was already carrying an offensive weapon in public and breaking the law as it stands."

Norman G said: "Very sad day. And very sad that a gentleman doing his job is murdered."

Bramley Moore said: "No doubt the perpetrator was 'known to the police' just like the bow and arrow killer in Norway a few days ago. It's time these people were taken out of circulation before they get chance to act."

RVW6386 said: "Let's wait and find out the circumstances behind this deplorable offence. No use jumping to conclusions. In the mean time condolences to the man's family and friends."