Jo Cox dead: Labour MP dies after shooting and stabbing in Birstall, West Yorkshire - latest updates
The Labour MP died just before 2pm after being attacked outside a library in her constituency
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Labour MP Jo Cox has been killed in her constituency in Birstall, West Yorkshire. Here are the latest updates:
- Jo Cox has died after shooting and stabbing attack
- Police say Cox was pronounced dead at 1.48pm - statement in full
- Attacker 'shouted Britain First' before launching at MP with large knife and antique gun
- MP's husband Brendan Cox says she was killed by 'hatred'
- A 52-year-old man has been arrested near the scene and named locally as Tommy Mair
- Britain First denies involvement in attack
- Eyewitness says he saw 'river of people' running screaming down street
- EU referendum campaigns suspended as MPs express shock at attack
- Jeremy Corbyn's full statement in reaction to news of death
- Tributes pour in from fellow politicians
- Obituary: The Labour MP who campaigned tirelessly for refugee children
Labour MP Jo Cox has died after being attacked in her constituency near Leeds.
An eyewitness said the 41-year-old mother of two was left lying bleeding on the pavement after the incident in Birstall, West Yorkshire.
The attack took place near the town's library where she held advice surgeries.
Ms Cox was elected to the seat of Batley and Spen at the last general election in 2015.
The suspect was named locally as Thomas Mair.
Ms Cox was regarded by Labour colleagues as one of the brightest stars among the intake of MPs who joined the Commons at last year’s general election.
The 41-year-old former head of humanitarian campaigning at Oxfam made a mark by calling repeatedly for Britain to do more to help the victims of Syria’s civil war. She remained in regular contact with former colleagues in the aid world who are working to help refugees in the region. She called Commons debates on the plight of the refugees and believed the UK Government should do more both to help the victims and use its influence to bring an end to the conflict.
Mair's house was sealed off by police who were guarding the property as forensic officers worked in the garden.
Neighbours said he had lived there for more than 30 years - on his own for the last two decades since the deaths of his mother and grandmother.
They did not think he had a job or drove a car and described how he would do gardening chores for local people.
One neighbour, David Pickles, said: "He's lived there longer than me and I've lived here since 1975.
"I still can't believe it. He's the last guy I would have thought of.
"He's just quiet. He kept himself to himself."
Memorial growing for MP #JoCox at Parliament Square. https://t.co/WnzRRmnZDN
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#Labour leader #JeremyCorbyn has laid flowers and paid a powerful tribute to #JoCox here at Parliament Square vigil. https://t.co/I16RX5SBG7
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A two minute silence in memory of Ms Cox will be held during the count of the Tooting by-election to choose a replacement for London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Paul Martin, acting returning officer, said: "The murder of Jo Cox has shocked the entire country, and it has hit home particularly hard in Tooting where right now the community is in the process of selecting a new member of parliament to represent their interests.
"It is our duty and responsibility to continue with this by-election, but clearly a very dark shadow has been cast over these proceedings.
"The flag over Wandsworth Town Hall is now flying at half-mast and we will hold a two-minute silence during this evening's count to reflect upon this awful loss.
"Our thoughts, prayers and deep condolences are with Jo's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."