Sir David Amess was stabbed ‘multiple times in the chest’ by ‘terror killer’, inquest told

TRAGIC Tory MP Sir David Amess died after being stabbed multiple times in the chest, an inquest heard today.

The dad-of-five, 69, was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on October 15.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, who was arrested by armed cops at the scene, has been charged with murder and terror offences.

An inquest heard today how Sir David was knifed “during a meeting with one individual” and declared dead at 1.13pm.

The hearing was also told the MP died of “multiple stab wounds to the chest” but the number of wounds was not confirmed.

The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings, with a review scheduled for April 27.

Senior Essex Coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “The fact that an individual has been charged with, amongst other things, murder and appeared before the Old Bailey, the coronial process will be suspended, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

“I am sure that I am speaking on behalf of many of the country on expressing that my deepest condolences are passed on to Sir David’s family.”

It comes after details for Sir David’s funeral were confirmed – with a service due to be held at Westminster Cathedral on November 23.

Sir David’s family paid tribute to the “courageous” MP in a touching statement following his death.

They told how they were “enormously proud” of the MP, saying: “Our hearts are shattered.”

The statement read: “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.

“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.”

TERROR CHARGE

Ali appeared at the Old Bailey last week where he was remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial on March 7, 2022.

He has not yet entered a plea to charges of murder and preparing acts of terrorism between May 1 2019 and September this year.

The CPS had earlier announced the charges, saying that the attack had both “religious and ideological motivations”.

While Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes 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.

“The charge is a significant milestone in the case, but the work from my colleagues in the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command will continue apace.”