Sir David Amess’ distraught wife and daughters visit memorial after being left ‘absolutely broken’ by horrific murder

THE heartbroken family of Sir David Amess wept today as they made an emotional visit to a memorial for the murdered MP.

Dad-of-five Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on Friday. 

His grieving family - including his wife Julia and his daughters - today visited a memorial left outside the church where he was murdered.

The distraught loved ones wept as they looked at a mountain of floral tributes left for the Southend West MP.

They could also be seen comforting each other before the minister of Belfairs Methodist Church, Rev Clifford Newman, spoke to Julia.

It comes after the family paid tribute to "courageous" Sir David in a touching statement.

The family also told how they were "enormously proud" of the MP, saying: "Our hearts are shattered."

The statement read: “Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace."

“So, we ask 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.

🔵 Read our Sir David Amess blog for the latest updates

“Whatever one’s race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.

“Please let some good come from this tragedy. We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man.”

Sir David, 69, was knifed to death in Leigh-on-Sea while holding a constituency surgery.

TERROR ATTACK

The Tory MP's death is being treated as terrorism with cops continuing to quiz suspect Ali Harbi Ali in custody.

The suspect allegedly walked into the church and stabbed the MP multiple times in front of horrified onlookers.

Sources say Ali did not say anything of note during his attack but was seen using his mobile phone moments after the murder.

Ali, 25, had been previously referred to the Government’s Prevent anti-terror scheme but investigators are still piecing together how and when he became radicalised.

So far no direct links between Ali and Sir David have emerged.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has now launched a review into MPs’ safety.