STROUD district politicians have responded following the fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess, who was brutally attacked at his constituency surgery on Friday.

Sir David, who had been a Conservative MP since 1983 and represented the Southend West constituency, was stabbed multiple times during his regular meeting with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

The killing has led to fresh scrutiny over the security of politicians.

Stroud district MP Siobhan Baillie said she finds 'his senseless murder difficult to comprehend' and is that she has concerns for her staff 'in this poisonous climate'.

In a statement, she said: "Sir David was a kind and witty man dedicated to his family, his constituency and public life. This is a terrible tragedy and an immense loss to parliament and our democracy.

"Like many of my colleagues, I have found his senseless murder difficult to comprehend and I remain very upset. My thoughts are with his family, friends and staff at such a difficult time.

"This is now the second MP to be killed in just over five years. Many MPs regularly receive regular death threats, and suffer harassment and stalking. I have suffered abuse, although many have endured much worse than I.

"I am concerned for my staff in this poisonous climate. Here in Stroud, there are regular demonstrations outside my office even though those who are demonstrating know full well I’m in Westminster. All it does is intimidate my non-political staff who are caseworkers helping constituents with issues like their benefits or immigration status.

"The denigration of politicians, other public figures, sports stars and celebrities is out of control. I understand there must be criticism and challenge, but it is now well beyond that and we risk fewer and fewer people going into public life and public facing roles if nothing is done.

"My hope is my campaign to stop anonymous social media accounts peddling threats and abuse will now become part of the Online Safety Bill. I am working with Clean Up the Internet to try and achieve this by giving the choice of using account verification. My view is it will do much to stop the abuse as the majority of people who do it are cowards hiding behind anonymous accounts.

"What we would like is to see social media users given the option to verify their identity. We would also like users to be allowed the option to block interaction with unverified users and make it easy for everyone to see whether or not a user is verified with a prominent badge or mark."

Former Stroud district MP David Drew had a long shared history with Sir David, whom he had worked with on a number of committees.

He said: "The death of David Amess is simply terrible.

"I knew and worked with him on a number of committees over many years.

"He was a friend and deeply respected former colleague.

"My prayers are with his family who always were a support to him.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy."

Meanwhile, Wotton under Edge's Lib Dem SDC councillors Ken Tucker, George James and Rich Wilsher, plus GCC Cllr Linda Cohen, highlighted that their job should not put them or their team at risk.

They have decided that people wishing to attend surgery appointments with them must make an email appointment first.

Cllr Tucker said: "Following last Friday’s appalling event, my team has sought advice on further security and as a part of this review (at least in the near term), we will now be requiring an email appointment being made before attending any future surgeries."

Leader of Stroud District Council and councillor for Dursley, Doina Cornell shared her condolences, and said that flags have been flown at half mast at the council's headquarters at Ebley Mill as a mark of respect.

She said: "It was shocking and sad news to hear of the death of David Amess who served his community so well.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. As a measure of respect, we have been flying the flags at half mast at Ebley Mill."

Sir David, 69, who was married with four daughters and a son, is the second MP to be killed in recent years following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016.

A 25-year-old man named as Ali Harbi Ali, is currently being detained under the Terrorism Act.

Detectives have until Friday to question him in custody after they were granted a warrant of further detention.