Sir David was 'great friend & ally' says Brian May

The Queen guitarist has paid tribute to the Southend West MP

Sir David Amess with Brian May
Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 16th Oct 2021
Last updated 16th Oct 2021

Tributes continue to come in for Southend West MP, Sir David Amess who was fatally stabbed yesterday (15 October).

The 69-year-old father-of-five was meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church when he was attacked and despite best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Lead guitarist with Queen, Brian May has spoken out, remembering Sir David as a 'great friend and ally'.

Sir David met with the musician many times to support the Save Me Trust's animal campaigns.

Writing on Instagram, Brian said:

"So shocked and sad that our great friend and ally David Amess has tragically lost his life, his future, his family, his work, his dreams (seen here supporting our Save-Me campaign to save Britain’s hedgehogs).

"This man was gentle, amiable, a great supporter of the rights of both humans and animals, and, behind his friendly smile, a man not afraid to speak his mind, his truth, which is increasingly perilous in these troubled days. I fear this is the terrible price he paid. Heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, his colleagues. And we are all the poorer, here in England. I fear this country is truly falling to pieces."

Meanwhile others are also remembering Sir Daivd.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:

“It was with great shock and sadness that we learned today that Sir David Amess MP has died following a violent attack at a constituency surgery.

“We worked closely with Sir David over the years, during his period as MP for Basildon up until April 1997 and latterly as MP for Southend West within the neighbouring Southend-on-Sea Council area.

“He was a man who was never afraid to voice his views, passionate in his beliefs and straightforward in how he articulated them. He will be greatly missed in Essex and at Westminster. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Southend United have also paid tribute, writing on Twitter:

"The thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Southend United Football Club are with the family, friends and colleagues of MP for Southend West, Sir David Amess, following this afternoon's utterly devastating and shocking news.

"Rest in peace, Sir David."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.