Jewish groups have expressed their “profound sorrow” at the killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess.

In a statement, the Board of Deputies said they were devastated to hear that Sir David had died following a stabbing at his constituency surgery. 

“We will never forget Sir David’s long and deep friendship to our community. Our hearts go out in profound sorrow to to his wife Julia and his beloved children."

Steve Wilson, CEO of United Synagogue, said the parliamentarian’s murder was “horrific and chilling”.

“Democracy is a cherished right,” he said, “and one we can never take for granted. I know all US members and colleagues will join me in sending condolences to Sir David's family who are in our prayers.”

The Jewish Leadership Council expressed their shock. “He always had a very strong and warm relationship with his local Jewish community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” they said.

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Education Trust, said: “We are shocked and saddened at the tragic loss of Sir David Amess MP. 

“A long time supporter and campaigner for the Holocaust Educational Trust, joining us at every gathering, and encouraging us in everything we did. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Southend rabbis also paid respect to the MP.

Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman of Southend shul described Sir David as "a real mensch".

He said: "We are absolutely devastated by the murder of Sir David Amess, our local MP . He had a very close relationship with our Jewish community here in Westcliff.

"Always supportive and sympathetic to our members and causes. He attended numerous events at our synagogue. We are deeply saddened and send our condolences to his dear family.... May he rest in peace."

Sir David previously served as the honorary secretary of Conservative Friends of Israel.

From the 1980s, he campaigned for the erection of a statue honouring Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews from deportation while the country was under Nazi occupation.

Eventually he succeeded, and in 1997 Queen Elizabeth unveiled the statue, located outside Western Marble Arch Synagogue. 

Earlier this year, speaking at the Holocaust Memorial Day debate, Sir David said although he was a Catholic, “there is Jewish blood in each and every one of us,” and he “would certainly have been proud to have been born a Jew.”