The man on trial for the murder of Sir David Amess, claimed he was a Christian, in order to secure the meeting. 

The Catholic politician was stabbed 21 times during a constituency surgery in Essex in October 2021. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ali Harbi Ali, aged 26, denies the murder charges against him. He is currently on trial at the Old Bailey in London.  

Ali is believed to have masqueraded as a Christian moving to the area, and cited concerns about falling congregation numbers, as the reason he sought an audience with the Southend West MP. 

Once he met Sir David, in a Methodist church, he is believed to have launched a brutal attack with a concealed knife. 

A number of constituents attending the surgery have now testified as witnesses; one said that Ali showed 'no remorse' following the incident. 

After being arrested, Ali is believed to have described the reason for the attack as 'Terror. Religious', the court heard. 

He was detained under the Terrorist Act, following his arrest on suspicion of murder. 

The 69-year-old politician was the father of four children. 

The trial continues.