As members of Southend-On-Sea’s Muslim community, we mourn the brutal and senseless killing of Sir David Amess MP.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.  We share their grief at his loss, for Sir David was not only our Member of Parliament, but an upstanding friend to our Muslim community.

Sir David joined the local Muslim community as we celebrated our achievements.  He graced us with his presence at the opening of the Essex Jamme Masjid in 2008 and 2014. He took part in the launch of Southend-on-Sea’s first Muslim Scout group. He shared in our happiness, by attending our weddings and functions and he was there for us in our times of need.  We will all miss him dearly, but his legacy of public service will live on, as will memories of his warmth, selflessness and kindness.

Sir David’s murder was an indefensible atrocity, committed on the grounds of a place of worship and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. This act was committed in the name of blind hatred, and we look forward to the perpetrator being brought to justice.