MARK Drakeford has described the fatal attack on Sir David Amess MP as "despicable and horrifying".

The Conservative MP for Southend West died after he was stabbed several times inside a church in Leigh, Essex.

First minister Mark Drakeford offered his condolences to the family of Sir David.

Taking to Twitter he said: "Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess.

"A truly despicable and horrifying act.

"My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time."

It has been confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched following the stabbing at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion murder after a man was stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea.

"We were called to an address in Eastwood Road North shortly after 12.05pm today (Friday 15 October).

Western Telegraph: Sir David Amess MP. Credit: PASir David Amess MP. Credit: PA

"We attended and found a man injured.

"He was treated by emergency services but, sadly, died at the scene.

"A 25 year-old man was quickly arrested after officers arrived at the scene on suspicion of murder and a knife was recovered.

"He is currently in custody.

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

"We want to thank the public who alerted us to the incident so quickly.

"We need anyone who saw anything or has CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact us."