THE flag at Warrington Town Hall is flying at half mast as a mark of respect following the death of Sir David Amess on Friday.

Sir David, 69, who represented Southend West in Essex, was stabbed at his constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday afternoon.

Police officers and paramedics tried to save him but he died at the scene.

Detectives now say they are treating the incident as a terror attack.

Cllr Maureen Creaghan, Mayor of Warrington, said “The tragic death of Sir David is not only a very sad event but an attack on democracy and our freedoms.

"Public access and open communication with elected individuals is the cornerstone of our democratic values.

"Our thoughts are with Sir David's family, fellow Parliamentarians and his constituents.

"The Town Hall flag is at half mast in respect.”