GWENT'S MPs have shared messages of condolence following the death of Sir David Amess.

The Conservative MP for Southend West died this afternoon after being stabbed at a constituency event in Leigh, Essex.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and police said a knife was recovered at the scene.

Sir David, aged 69, had been an MP since 1983. He was married with five children.

Following the tragic news, fellow MPs have led tributes to Sir David.

Gwent's only Conservative MP, Monmouth's David Davies, said via Twitter that Sir David was "much loved on both sides of the House of Commons".

He said he was "deeply saddened" by Sir David's death, adding that his "thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this terrible time".

Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is the Labour MP for Torfaen, said the news was "devastating".

"David was a kind and generous man who contributed so much for his constituents and to Parliament," he added. "Thoughts and prayers with his all his family, friends and staff on this darkest of days."

South Wales Argus: Sir David Amess had been an MP for nearly 40 years. Picture: via PA WireSir David Amess had been an MP for nearly 40 years. Picture: via PA Wire

Chris Evans, the MP for Islwyn, said: "I have known David during my entire time in Parliament, he was an extremely kind man.

"He always had time for everyone and never passed anyone without saying hello. No one had a bad word to say about him.

"This is extremely tragic, he was simply doing his job and serving his constituents.

"My thoughts are with his wife, family and his many friends at this time."

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Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith said news of Sir David's death was "deeply shocking".

"Although I didn’t know him well, I know that David was a good MP who was dedicated to standing up for his constituents," Mr Smith said.

"That he has been killed while conducting a surgery is an absolutely horrifying thing to have happened. My thoughts are with his family."

In a message shared on Twitter, Caerphilly's MP Wayne David said has was "deeply saddened" at the death of Sir David, whom he described as "a thoroughly decent man who cared so much for his constituents and his country".

Newport West's MP Ruth Jones said the news of Sir David’s untimely death was "a terrible shock to all of us who knew him".

She added: "He was a very well known Member of the Commons, and although his political persuasions were different to mine, he was always very kind to me and very helpful. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

"My thoughts are with his family and close friends."

Her city colleague, Newport East's Jessica Morden, said it was "such a terrible day".

"David Amess was such a lovely man with a gentle humour and a passion for his constituency of Southend West that shone through everything he did in Parliament," she added. "Sending much love to his family and friends at this most difficult of times."