Sir David Amess Murdered During Constituency Surgery
Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, was fatally stabbed during a constituency meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October. The accused, Ali Harbi Ali, denies murdering the MP and preparing acts of terrorism. He is currently on trial at the Old Bailey.
The chilling 999 call and attack details
The court heard how Ali Harbi Ali scheduled an appointment with Sir David and travelled from London to meet him. After the brutal stabbing, Mr Ali allegedly threatened to kill four more people.
A terrified witness, Yvonne Eaves, who was due to meet Sir David next with her partner Darren King, made a frantic 999 call. She told the operator:
“Please, please, quick. Now the man is wielding a knife, he’s threatened me… He’s killed David Amess at Belfairs Methodist Church.”
Ms Eaves urged her partner to “come away,” describing the weapon as a “big kitchen carving knife” about 12 inches long. She said, “We tried to get it off him. He won’t. He’s threatened myself, he’s threatened four people here.”
Ali’s deceptive plot to get close to Sir David
Prosecutor Tom Little QC revealed Ali had sent a string of emails to Sir David’s office, pretending to be interested in local healthcare and Christianity. He claimed he was moving to the area and wanted to meet his future MP.
Ali’s email read:
“I will be moving to the area from a Labour-held constituency and wanted to get to know my future MP. Since I work in healthcare, I would like to know his plans, if any, for the hospital and workers.
“Also, as someone interested in Christianity, I have seen many churches in my area losing attendances and struggle with upkeep, eventually becoming at risk of being demolished or repurposed.”
The MP’s office confirmed appointments were fully booked but offered him a slot on 15 October. Ali initially said he was too busy but later cleared his schedule and confirmed attendance.
Evidence paints Ali as a calculating killer
- CCTV footage shows Ali travelling from his home in Kentish Town to Leigh-on-Sea carrying a large backpack and wearing a long khaki jacket.
- On the day of the attack, Ali sent a message to family and friends, apparently drafted days earlier, claiming the attack was “for the sake of Allah.”
- He apologised for “deceiving” his family and spoke of taking revenge for “the blood of Muslims.”
- Ali spent 14 minutes on the phone to his sister before aborting the call when police confronted and arrested him.
The trial continues as jurors hear more about the premeditated murder that shocked the nation.
