There are calls to make Southend a city following the death of Sir David Amess. 

The Southend West MP died after he was stabbed during an incident at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh earlier today. 

Tributes have poured in from politicians on all sides, as well as from constituents and friends. 

Some have taken to social media to call for Southend to be granted city status in memory of Sir David. 

The MP had been a staunch campaigner of giving the town city status and was firmly behind the latest bid. 

Labour MP Charlotte Nichols, who represents Warrington North, has backed the idea, writing on twitter: "Absolutely; I can't think of a better way to honour his memory."

She was responding to one user who had said: "I hope that Southend gets the city status that Sir David relentlessly campaigned for and made sure we all knew about. I think it would be a fitting tribute."

Southend is among a host of towns and places in the UK that is bidding to be granted city status as part of the Queen's platinum jubilee celebrations.

You can keep up to date on the latest surrounding Sir David's tragic death via our live blog.