Ali Harbi Ali charged with terrorism-related murder of MP Sir David Amess

21 October 2021, 12:34 | Updated: 21 October 2021, 14:56

Police charge Ali Harbi Ali for murder of MP Sir David Amess

By Sophie Barnett

Ali Harbi Ali has been charged with the murder of MP Sir David Amess and preparing terrorist acts, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

In a statement, Nick Price, of the CPS, said it has authorised charges against Ali Harbi Ali, of north London, for the murder of MP Sir David Amess on Friday 15 October.

"We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations," he said.

"He has also been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts. This follows a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in its investigation."

Ali has been remanded in custody after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court charged with murder.

Read more: Hundreds attend candlelit vigil for MP Sir David Amess as terror suspect detained

Read more: MPs face 'substantial' threat in wake of Sir David Amess stabbing, Priti Patel says

Sir David, a Tory MP of nearly 40 years, was stabbed to death in Leigh-on-Sea, near Southend in Essex on Friday, October 15.

MP Sir David Amess dead after being stabbed at constituency meeting

Armed police descended on Belfairs Methodist Church and an air ambulance was deployed, but paramedics were unable to save him.

Ali was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Sir David's murder.

The 25-year-old was detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and detectives had been given until Friday to question him after a warrant of further detention was granted.

The Metropolitan Police declared the incident an act of terrorism, with its early inquiries indicating "a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism".

Matt Jukes, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, said Sir David's "dedication to his family, his constituents and his community, and his positive impact on the lives of so many has shone through".

Read more: 'Our hearts are shattered': Family of MP Sir David Amess release emotional tribute

Tributes paid to Tory MP Sir David Amess

He said: "Today's charge is a significant milestone in the case, but the work from my colleagues in the Met's Counter Terrorism Command will continue apace.

"There has been considerable speculation in the media about the background, history and motivation of the man now charged.

"I understand the huge level of public interest in this case, but now a charge has been brought, it is vitally important that everyone exercises restraint when commenting on it publicly, to ensure future court proceedings are not prejudiced in any way."

He also sent his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir David Amess, who died so tragically.

No one else is being sought in connection with the investigation, he added.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Scale of King Charles' earnings exposed as royals rake in 'millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS and military

Royal earnings exposed as King 'earns millions' from contracts with cash-strapped NHS, military and state schools

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks breaks silence 20 years on

Police Line Do Not Cross ribbon on a London street following a suspected bomb reported in the area.

Schoolgirl, 10, dies after being bitten by family dog in North Yorkshire as police launch launch investigation

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn