CUMBRIAN MPs have paid tribute to one of their colleagues who has died after being stabbed. 

Conservative MP Sir David Amess died earlier today after being stabbed multiple times in his constituency, during a surgery that was being held at the Belfairs Methodist Church, in Eastwood Road North, in Leigh. 

Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, said: "Devastating news about Sir David Amess.

"He was a lovely man and a proud champion for animal welfare.

"Thoughts and prayers with his family, friends and staff at this awful time."

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland, said: "I am shocked and saddened by Sir David’s tragic death and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: "This was incredibly sad news, our thoughts are with his family and close friends.

"We're shocked by what has happened and we would not expect something like this to happen in our country and our democracy.

"It's a sad day for his family but also the wider community."

Tim Farron, MP for Westmoreland and Lonsdale, said: "David Amess was funny, generous and kind, a lovely person to talk to who cared and worked hard for his community.

"His death is an appalling outrage. Praying for those closest to him and for all who serve through politics and who will be deeply affected by this tragedy."

Former Workington MP Sir Tony Cunningham said: "This strikes at the heart of democracy; and a the very heart of the relationship between MPs and their constituents.

"When I heard this news, I just felt awful. It could have happened to any one of us. I did hundreds of surgeries in my time as an MP.

"For many of us in the job, the most important thing that we did were the hundreds of little things which you did for people who brought problems to you at surgeries.

"Sir David was not a friend but he was somebody I'd say hello to when I passed him in a corridor. He was a decent man. This will make MPs feel very, very vulnerable."