MP terror attack suspect to go on trial

An alleged terrorist is going on trial accused of murdering veteran Conservative MP Sir David Amess in October last year.

26-year-old Ali Harbi Ali has denied fatally stabbing the MP for Southend West during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October. Additionally, he also denies preparing acts of terrorism between May 2019 and September 2021.

It is alleged that Ali travelled by train from Kentish Town, north London, on the day of the attack specifically to attend Sir David’s surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church. He is accused of producing a large knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbing the 69-year-old father-of-five.

Ali had allegedly engaged in reconnaissance before the attack, scoping out locations of potential targets to attack, including addresses associated with MPs and the Houses of Parliament.

The trial at the Old Bailey is listed to last for three weeks.