The family of Tory MP Sir David Amess today visited a sea of floral tributes left at the site of his killing.
Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death on Friday while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, in what police believe was a terrorist incident.
His wife, Julia Amess, accompanied by friends and some of her children were seen looking at floral tributes and reading messages of condolence left outside the church.
Two of Sir David’s daughters, along with their partner, joined their mother at the scene.
It comes a day after the family released a statement saying they were “absolutely broken” by his death.
“As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way,” they said in a statement released through police.
“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.”
The family continued: “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.”
The veteran MP, who had been in parliament since 1983 and represented his constituency of Southend West since 1997, was treated by paramedics but died of his wounds at the scene.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and named as Ali Harbi Ali.
He is currently being held in a London police station under the Terrorism Act, with officers given until Friday to question him.
Mr Ali reportedly considered attacking other MPs and is thought to have picked Sir David at random.
MPs have been paying tribute to Sir David in the House of Commons today.
After a morning of prayers and a minute’s silence, MPs and peers are being given the opportunity to share their memories of the Conservative MP for at least two hours.
The Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle will make a statement before Boris Johnson moves a motion for an adjournment, which will enable parliamentarians to open the tributes session.
Mr Hoyle has called for a coat of arms to be erected in the Commons chamber as a permanent memorial to Sir David.
The same honour was given to Labour MP Jo Cox after she was murdered by a far-right terrorist in 2015.