CROSS-RELIGION faith leaders have spoken of their ‘shock’ at the ‘terrible’ killing of Sir David Amess.

The Southend West MP was stabbed to death at a constituent surgery in Leigh on Friday.

The Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, Ayman Syed, general secretary of Chelmsford Muslim Society and Salim Wali, trustee from the South Essex Islamic Trust have issued a joint statement in the wake of the tragedy.

They said: “We were also shocked by this terrible event, but as faith leaders we are here to help people come to terms with this terrible tragedy.

“Sir David died doing something he loved and which was so integral to how he went about the businesses of being an MP – listening to and helping his constituents at a constituency surgery.”

Sir David was a devout Roman Catholic and a congregation member at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Joseph in Leigh.

The faith leaders added: “One of the key tenets of our democracy is accessibility of our elected representatives and we must do all we can to protect this and protect the safety of those who are elected to represent us. Southend and Essex will be united this week in our grief, but also united in our resolve that we stand against violence and those who act against the values we share across our communities.

“We echo the words of Sir David’s family, who asked people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness. Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

“Our sincere condolences, prayers and thoughts go to all his family, friends and colleagues.”

A 25-year-old man, understood to be Ali Harbi Ali, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.