Essex unites to pay tribute to Sir David Amess
Emergency services are among those who came together.
Emergency services and leaders from across Essex have come together to pay tribute to Sir David Amess, who was killed in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday.
The Chief Constable of Essex Police was among other emergency service leaders to sign a Book of Condolence.
In it he repeated his promise that policing partners would deliver justice for Sir David and his family.
Since the initial response call to Belfairs Methodist Church on Friday 15th October, counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police service have taken over the investigation into Sir David's murder.
Chief Constable BJ Harrington, Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Baldwin, Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow and Southend District Commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes joined colleagues from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service colleagues to pay their respects to Sir David.
A minute's silence was held at various locations around the county on Monday 18th October to remember the local MP.
Speaking after signing the Book of Condolence, Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, South Local Policing Area Commander, said: “The whole of Southend owes a debt of gratitude to Sir David, who worked tirelessly for the area for 40 years.
“Having long been a champion for Southend, it is of course truly tragic that his main goal in Parliament has been achieved in the days following his sad death, with confirmation today that Southend will be afforded city status by Her Majesty The Queen.
“Today has been a mark of respect for the man – indeed it has been a mark of respect for what will be Essex’s new city.
“His death has shocked the whole of our community and the thoughts of everyone at Essex Police remain with his family and close friends at this tragic time.”
Chief Inspector Ian Hughes added: “Having worked closely with Sir David for many years, I know how dearly he held Southend in his heart. Today, Southend holds him dearly in its heart.
“His death has shocked all who are involved in policing Southend, staff and officers alike, and it is for that reason we held a one-minute silence in his memory this afternoon.
“Every single person here wanted to pay their respects to him. He will not be forgotten, and all our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.”
Rick Hylton, Acting Chief Fire Officer, said: "Today we have paid tribute to Sir David Amess MP, following his tragic death on Friday.
"Joining in a national silence we recognise that Sir David gave almost 40 years of service to the people of Essex and was a strong supporter of fire safety.
"Sir David played a key role in campaigning for sprinkler protection and improving building safety, and through his many years of work chairing the All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group he contributed to saving lives and protecting properties.
"Many fire colleagues across both Essex and nationally have worked closely with him, and today we have come together to pause, reflect and recognise the work he championed to keep his communities safe.
"Our thoughts remain with David’s friends and family at this tragic time."
Council's from outside Sir David's constituency also joined in the tributes.
Group leaders of Colchester Borough Council – Cllr Paul Dundas (Conservative), Cllr Adam Fox (Labour), Cllr Martin Goss (Liberal Democrat); Cllr Beverley Oxford (Highwoods Independent), and Cllr Mark Goacher (Green) - issued this joint statement:
“The news of the murder of Sir David Amess at one of his surgeries on Friday has shocked everyone.
“All of the tributes over the weekend, from people from all political backgrounds, have clearly shown that Sir David was a man who worked hard for his constituency and all the people and causes he represented. His dedication and determination are things that those elected at all levels strive to achieve.
“We all know that politics can lead to highly charged emotions and debates. However, it is vital that we as politicians have these discussions in a mature way and in an environment free from intimidation and violence. This is what democracy is about and it is a belief all of us in Colchester firmly stand together on and will not shirk from.
“We have all been deeply shocked by what has happened, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Sir David’s family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace Sir David.”
WATCH: Essex comes together to remember Sir David Amess:
Messages left in the Book of Condolence by Essex Police chief officers:
Chief Constable BJ Harrington
“Sir David thank you for a life of tireless public service to the people of Southend and Essex, your loss will be felt by all of us who knew you well at Essex Police. We stand united with your family, the community, our partners and policing colleagues in our sorrow and our determination to ensure that justice is delivered."
Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Baldwin
“Sir David, as the former area commander for Southend, I had the pleasure of working with you and saw first-hand the difference you made to the community. My thoughts and prayers remain with your family and all who knew and worked with you. Thank you for your service to the people of Essex.”
Chief Inspector Ian Hughes
“Sir David, thank you for your service to Southend. It was a privilege to work alongside you to make a difference in the communities of Essex. Our thoughts are with your family, friends and colleagues at this awful time.”
Chief Supt Simon Anslow
Sir David, thank you for everything you did for our community and for being a champion for Southend. We will continue to work with our policing colleagues in the pursuit of justice for you. Our thoughts are with your family at this tragic time.