Attacker of British MP had been referred to counterterrorism scheme, UK media reports
- Ali Harbi Ali, a British citizen of Somali heritage, had been referred to the UK’s scheme for those thought at risk of radicalisation, the BBC reported
- Ali is believed not to have spent long on the programme and was never formally a ‘subject of interest’ to MI5, the domestic security agency, said the BBC
The attacker who fatally stabbed British politician David Amess was referred to an official counterterrorist scheme for those thought to be at risk of radicalisation, according to media reports.
Police said late on Saturday that detectives had until Friday to question the suspect after he was detained under the Terrorism Act, which allowed them to extend his detention.
Veteran Conservative MP David Amess, 69, was talking to voters at a church in the small town of Leigh-on-Sea east of London when he was stabbed to death on Friday.
Police have said they are investigating “a potential motivation linked to Islamist extremism”. The investigation is being led by Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The BBC said it had received confirmation from Whitehall officials that the man’s name is Ali Harbi Ali.
