An alleged terrorist accused of stabbing Sir David Amess to death will enter pleas next month.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, is charged with murdering the Conservative MP for Southend West during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex on 15 October.

He is also charged with preparing acts of terrorism between 1 May 2019 and 28 September this year.

According to a draft indictment, Ali engaged in reconnaissance of locations he targeted for attacks, including addresses associated with MPs and the Houses of Parliament.

He also allegedly carried out internet research relating to targets.

On Friday, Ali appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing via videolink from Belmarsh prison.

Wearing a pale blue jumper, Ali spoke only to confirm his name.

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Judge Mr Justice Sweeney set a preparatory and plea hearing for 21 December.

A provisional trial date has already been identified for 7 March.

Following the brief hearing, the defendant was remanded in custody.

Ali is accused of travelling by train from his home in Kentish Town, north London, to attend Sir David’s surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church.

During the meeting, he allegedly produced a large knife from his pocket and repeatedly stabbed Sir David.

The veteran MP was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.10pm.

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