A man has been charged with murder after the Conservative MP David Amess was stabbed to death during a surgery for his constituents.

Ali Harbi Ali , 25, was charged with murder following an investigation led by Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command.

Ali was also charged with the preparation of terrorist acts. The Crown Prosecution Service said it would argue to the court that the murder had “a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations”.

Amess, 69, was the MP for Southend West and was repeatedly stabbed just after midday on Friday 15 October.

He died in the church where the surgery was being held after being attacked by a man who police said they believed was acting alone.

The Crown Prosecution Service said on Thursday Ali had been charged with murder and preparing acts of terrorism, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

A British national was arrested at the scene and a knife recovered, police said. They added that they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the attack.

Amess’s killing sparked shock and outrage as well as a review of security for MPs.

Amess’s family visited Belfairs methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, where the veteran MP of 38 years’ service was attacked and died.

In a tribute his family said: “We are enormously proud of him. Our hearts are shattered. However, there was still so much David wanted to do – this we know from the events of the last few days.”

They also called for less rancour and more unity in society as they praised the backbencher: “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.”