Ali Harbi Ali Charged With The Murder Of Sir David Amess

Ali Harbi Ali has been formally charged with the murder of MP Sir David Amess.

Harbi Ali has also been charged with the preparation of terrorist acts following the attack at Amess' constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea last Friday.

Sir David suffered multiple stab wounds and succumbed to his injuries despite the best efforts of emergency workers who treated him at the scene.

He had been a Conservative MP since 1983, first in Basildon, before taking the seat in Southend West in 1997.

Nick Price, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations."

Mr Ali remains in custody and will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Amess died in the church where he had been meeting constituents after he was attacked at around midday.

Police said at the time that they believed the killer to have been acting alone, and later updated that a British national had been arrested and a knife recovered at the scene.

They were quick to confirm that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

In a touching tribute to the long-serving politician, Amess' family released a statement that read: "We are enormously proud of him. Our hearts are shattered. However, there was still so much David wanted to do - this we know from the events of the last few days."

"Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David.

"He was a patriot and a man of peace. So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. "

The family also implored politicians to do their bit to put aside the divisive and potentially harmful rhetoric that has become more prevalent in both politics and society of late.

The statement continued: "This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness.

"Whatever one's race, religious or political beliefs, be tolerant and try to understand.

"As a family, we are trying to understand why this awful thing has occurred. Nobody should die in that way. Nobody.

"Please let some good come from this tragedy.

"We are absolutely broken, but we will survive and carry on for the sake of a wonderful and inspiring man."

Sir David's death follows the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

Thomas Mair was convicted of her murder and remains in prison.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: World News, UK News, No-Article-Matching

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim