TORRIDGE and West Devon MP Sir Geoffrey Cox has said he will be reviewing his practice over meeting constituents face-to-face in the wake of the brutal killing of Sir David Amess.

The Southend MP was knifed to death last week by a 25-year-old man while holding a regular surgery in his constituency.

House of Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who held his own two-hour surgery just four hours after learning of Sir David’s killing, said that while the security offered to MPs must now be reviewed, there is a wider problem about the levels of hatred and intimidation in politics.

He is understood to have been told privately of serious abuse and threats, including death threats, being regularly made to MPs via social media.

Sir Geoffrey said in a statement: ’I am deeply saddened by the brutal killing of Sir David Amess, who was a good and decent man simply going about his duties as an MP. We are reviewing our practice regarding surgeries at the request of the Speaker.’

The MP holds regular and frequent advice surgeries in Bideford, Torrington, Holsworthy and Tavistock, where he has an office and his website says that since 2017 he has personally helped more than 3,000 people with their individual cases and held more than 550 surgery appointments.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride and South East Cornwall MP Sheryll Murray had not, at the time of going to press, responded directly to a request for a statement on the tragedy.

But on social media Mel Stride said: ’David was one of the best. The nicest, most caring and committed of MPs.’ And Sheryll Murray added: ’Sir David was a true friend to us all and will be missed.’

Politicians across Devon have offered their condolences following the killing of the MP, who was 69.

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, wrote: ’I know people in Plymouth would want me to send their support to the community in Southend. RIP David.’

Kevin Foster, Conservative MP for Torbay, posted: ’He was killed doing his job, getting out and meeting his constituents, looking to help with any issues they had. May he rest in peace.’

Nick Kelly, leader of Plymouth City Council, said: ’On behalf of the city of Plymouth, I would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Sir David Amess MP and also to the people of Southend, who he so well represented for nearly 25 years.’

Diane Moore, progressive group co-leader on Exeter City Council, said: ’An MP doing his job - being available to constituents. Such public service must be safe. Thinking of David Amess MP’s family and friends.’

Home Secretary Pritti Patel said a review into MP safety had been launched following the incident.