Sir David Amess death: family of MP make statement after his murder - what his wife and children said

Sir David Amess’ family have called for “some good to come from this tragedy” in a statement, following his death on Friday 15 October.

His family said they are “enormously proud” of him, and the support they’ve received has given them strength following the tragic incident.

Tributes have been paid to the popular Conservative MP from across the political spectrum amid calls for better protection and safeguards for MPs.

The family’s full statement

The family would like to thank everyone for the wonderful, wonderful tributes paid to David following his cruel and violent death. It truly has brought us so much comfort. The support shown by friends, constituents and the general public alike has been so overwhelming. As a family it has given us strength.

We have realised from tributes paid that there was far, far more to David than even we, those closest to him, knew.

We are enormously proud of him. Our hearts are shattered. However, there was still so much David wanted to do – this we know from the events of the last few days. So, this is not the end of Sir David Amess MP. It is the next chapter and as a family we ask everyone to support the many charities he worked with. There are so many to mention, so find one close to your hearts and help.

David had recently joined a campaign to help raise funds for a memorial to Dame Vera Lynn. To him she epitomised the strength and courage of our nation. We would ask as many people as possible to support this and meet the target to complete the project.

Closer to home, David was working hard for Southend to gain city status. In his memory, please show your support for this campaign.

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.

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.

We ask at this time that the family’s privacy be respected so that we can grieve in private.

What happened to Sir David Amess MP?

Here are five key events in the death of the Conservative MP for Southend West:

• Friday 15 October: At midday, Tory MP Sir David Amess is stabbed multiple times at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea near Southend while attending a constituency surgery. A 25-year-old man is arrested by police. Mr Amess’ death is confirmed by Essex Police just after 5pm.
• Friday 15 October: In a statement at 6.29pm at Southend Police Station, Essex Police chief constable Ben-Julian Harrington says the investigation into Sir David’s death will be led by counter-terrorism officers.
• Saturday 16 October: On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Leigh-on-Sea to pay tribute to Sir David, with Mr Johnson laying a wreath at the front of Belfairs Methodist Church
• Saturday 16 October: At 9pm, the Metropolitan Police announce in a statement they have been granted a warrant of further detention for the man arrested on suspicion of Mr Amess’ murder. The PA News Agency names the suspect as Ali Harbi Ali.
• Sunday 17 October: Home Secretary Priti Patel tells Sky News “protection” for MPs carrying out their duties was being considered, as well as a “whole spectrum” of other measures aimed at protecting the elected members.