The Labour MP for East Ham stabbed during a constituency surgery in Beckton yesterday is said to be in good spirits. 

A 21-year-old Aisan woman arrested at the scene had an appointment with the MP - the former junior Treasury minister was holding his weekly surgery at Beckton Globe Library in Kingsford Way at the time of the attack. A knife has been recovered from the scene.

The Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said:

"My understanding is there was an appointment made for the woman.

At the beginning of the interview she stabbed him." 

The woman was unarmed by one of Mr Timms' assistants, Andrew Bazeley, before the security guard arrived, Sir Robin added.

Saftey debate

The incident has prompted a security review but MPs are being urged not to reduce their contact with the public.

The Mayor continued:

"It can't happen. No MP could do that - if you cut yourself off from your constituency and your voters, what are you there for?

You need to talk to local people. The elected representatives usually live in the community they represent. They have to talk to people, they have to be available to people. People recognise them as they are walking down the street.

Stephen is very popular and very well-known in the constituency."

Newham Council said it was reviewing security arrangements following the attack.

A spokeswoman said:

"Stephen is a popular MP, well-respected by local residents and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Part of being a political representative is about being accessible and holding surgeries in community locations.

You cannot vet people who attend such surgeries. We have security at this centre but will review arrangements in light of this incident."

Last week, Mr Timms was comprehensively re elected as East Ham's MP by a majority of 27,826, capturing 70.4% of the vote - the largest majority in the country.