A 25-year-old man from north London has been charged with murdering Sir David Amess, the Conservative MP, as part of a terrorist attack, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

       Ali Harbi Hali, a British national of Somali heritage, was arrested at the scene of the attack in Leigh on Sea, Essex, last Friday and detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

       Sir David suffered multiple stab wounds at the attack at Belfairs Methodist Church in his constituency.

       Paramedics tried for two hours to save his life, but the MP died of his injuries.

       Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: "The CPS has authorised charges against Ali Harbi Ali for the murder of MP Sir David Amess on Friday 15 October 2021.

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

       "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.

       "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Ali are active and that he has the right to a fair trial."

       Prime Minister Boris Johnson led tributes to Sir David, who was described as "a patriot" and "irreplaceable".

       Matt Jukes, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, said: "I want to send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir David Amess, who died so tragically last Friday.

       "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.

       "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."

       Ali remains in custody and will first appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday.