Labour MP Jo Cox dies after horrific attack outside constituency surgery

Labour MP Jo Cox died this afternoon after suffering a brutal attack in West Yorkshire.

The Batley and Spen MP, 41, lost her fight for life after being shot and stabbed at lunchtime outside Birstall library, near Leeds.

Police confirmed this afternoon that Cox, a mother-of-two, had passed away at 1.48pm after the assault on Market Street, Birstall, which also left a 77-year-old man with minor injuries.

A 52-year-old man was arrested nearby and a firearm recovered. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with incident.

“This is a very significant investigation with a large number of witnesses that are being spoken to by the police at this time,” said Dee Collins, temporary chief constable of West Yorkshire Police.

“There is a large and significant crime scene and there is a large police presence in the area. A full investigation is underway to establish the motive for this murder.”

Jeremy Corbyn said the whole of the Labour Party, and the rest of the nation, were in shock at the death of the Cambridge-educated Syria campaigner and former Oxfam worker.

“Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.

“Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights – and she brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.

“Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.”

David Cameron and senior MPs from across the parties have paid tribute to Cox, who was first elected to parliament in last year’s general election.