MP Sir David Amess has died after being stabbed "several times" in major incident at his constituency surgery in Leigh.

The Tory MP for Southend West was holding a surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North.

A man reportedly ran into the church in the last hour, before the MP was stabbed "several times".

UPDATE - His death has now been confirmed.

A huge emergency presence has been spotted in the area nearby, alongside a police helicopter overhead.

Halstead Gazette: The sceneThe scene

Armed police have also been spotted at the scene, the Echo understands.

Sir David, 69, a prominent MP, is a huge member of the Make Southend a City campaign, first for Basildon and since 1997 for Southend West.

Sir David's office have declined to comment.

Halstead Gazette: Sir David Amess MP at Southend AirportSir David Amess MP at Southend Airport

Essex Police was contacted for comment.

This is an ongoing story, more to follow.