POLICE could be called in to guard MPs’ surgeries to keep them safe following the murder of Sir David Amess, the Home Secretary has said.

Witham MP Priti Patel said protection for parliamentarians while they are holding talks with constituents was one of the options being considered under a “whole spectrum” of measures.

It follows the fatal stabbing of the Southend West MP as he held a regular meeting with constituents on Friday.

However, when asked if she believes the relationship between parliamentarians and their constituencies should change, Ms Patel said: “My own view is no”.

“I’ve been a Member of Parliament for just over ten years and we are part of the fabric, the DNA of society, our democracy, freedom, the chance for people to engage with us,” she added.

“But what I would say is that a lot has changed.”

Conservative Sir David, 69, who had been an MP since 1983, was meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea when he was stabbed multiple times.

His death comes after the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, Jo Cox, was murdered in 2016 as she was on her way to a constituency surgery.

Ms Patel said discussions were underway with MPs about extra measures to keep them safe from similar attacks, with each representative contacted by their local police force since the attack.

She said the options being considered included “when you hold your surgeries, could you have officers or some kind of protection while you’re holding your surgery?”.

MPs could also be asked to share their whereabouts at all times with police, she said.

But Ms Patel was adamant MPs should continue to be accessible to the public, despite the attacks and the barrage of threats.

The Home Secretary said: “This should never, ever break that link between an elected representative and their democratic role, responsibility and duty to the people who elected them.”

It comes after an outpouring of condolences from MPs after the fatal attack.

Braintree MP James Cleverly was one of the first to release a statement about the incident on social media.

He said: "I was hoping beyond hope that David Amess would pull through this. It was not to be.

A truly lovely man. My thoughts and love go to his family at this most terrible time."

Friend and Maldon MP John Whittingdale added: "David Amess was a great friend and a brilliant MP for nearly 40 years.

"His death is truly shocking and a huge loss to his constituents and to Parliament.

"At this time all our thoughts are with his family."

Following Friday’s tragic incident, Clacton MP Giles Watling said MPs need “beefed up” security.

He said: “For the time being, we have got to toughen up our security arrangements.

“It’s important the fundamental job of being an MP goes on – we must be able to meet with our constituents and get out and about in the constituency.

“But that now means beefed up security and not advertising where we are going to be at any particular moment.

“This is not just for the safety of the MP, but the safety of the people around them and their staff.

“The attack on Sir David was an affront to our democracy and the democratic process – we cannot let them win.”