Amess killing: Terror suspect allegedly tricked MP’s staff by lying about his plans

The man suspected of murdering Sir David Amess tricked the MP’s constituency office into giving him an appointment by falsely claiming he wanted to discuss healthcare, it has been claimed. Ali Harbi Ali, 25, who is in police custody, allegedly lied to staff by also claiming he was moving to the area.

British MPs are only allowed to deal with somebody if they live in their constituency. I have discovered how strict this rule is myself.  

Mr Ali, who lived in Kentish Town, in North London, travelled to Leigh-on-Sea by train to carry out what is now being seen as a deliberate attack on the British state. 

Security services and counter-terrorism police are trawling through Mr Ali’s phone, computer and contacts, but do not currently believe the killing was part of a wider plot.

On Monday night, CCTV footage of the suspect walking in North London on the morning of the attack emerged.  The footage, obtained by Sky News, shows Mr Ali dressed in a green parka jacket, carrying a backpack over his right shoulder.

Police were continuing to question the suspect on Monday night. They currently have until Friday to charge him.