Yorkshire Labour MP Jo Cox dies after being shot and stabbed
The Labour MP was attacked in Leeds
The Labour MP, Jo Cox, has died after being shot and stabbed in her West Yorkshire constituency near Leeds.
The 41-year-old mother of two - who was was elected to the seat of Batley and Spen during the general election last year - was attacked outside her advice surgery in Birstall.
Her husband, Brendan Cox, said in a statement:
"Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love. I and Jo's friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo.
"Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people.
"She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now, one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her. Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisionous.
"Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full.''
Jo Cox | © PA Images
Temporary Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police Dee Collins said: “Just before 1pm today, Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spenborough was attacked and fatally wounded on Market Street Birstall.
“Before going into further detail, I would like to express our deepest sympathies to her family and friends at this tragic time.
“Jo was attacked by a man, who inflicted serious and sadly, ultimately fatal injuries. Subsequently there was a further attack on a 77-year-old man, nearby who has sustained injuries that are non life threatening.
“Shortly afterwards, a man was arrested nearby by uniform police officers. Weapons including a firearm have also been recovered.
“At 1.48pm, Jo Cox was pronounced deceased by a doctor working with a paramedic crew that was attending to her serious injuries.
West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson, said that having worked closely with Jo he was “deeply shocked that such a talented young woman has been senselessly attacked and killed whilst working in her constituency and serving her community."
Birstall, West Yorkshire | © PA Images
An eyewitness said the 41-year-old mother of two was left lying in a pool of blood on the pavement after her assailant struck in Birstall.
Hichem Ben Abdallah said: "He was kicking her as she was lying on the floor.''
He said that after a bystander intervened, the attacker produced a gun, stepped back and shot her twice.
Mr Abdallah, 56, was in the cafe next door to the library when he heard screaming and went outside.
He told the Press Association: "There was a guy who was being very brave and another guy with a white baseball cap who he was trying to control and the man in the baseball cap suddenly pulled a gun from his bag.''
He added: "He was fighting with her and wrestling with her and then the gun went off twice and then she fell between two cars and I came and saw her bleeding on the floor.''
After around 15 minutes, the shop owner said emergency services arrived and tended to her with a drip.
Birstall, West Yorkshire | © PA Images
Mr Abdallah said the weapon looked handmade and that the man who had been wrestling with the assailant continued to do so even after he saw the gun.
He said: "The man stepped back with the gun and fired it and then he fired a second shot, as he was firing he was looking down at the ground.''
Paying tribute, Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said:
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jo’s family and friends at this truly awful time. This is an absolutely shocking incident that has robbed a family of a loving mother and wife who was simply doing her job, representing the people of Batley and Spen.
"This is a tragedy which cannot be allowed to undermine our democratic processes, processes that Jo was so proud to represent. Leeds as a neighbour stands united with Kirklees and our thoughts remain with Jo’s family as they try to come to terms with their dreadful loss.”
Tributes have also been shared on social media.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact 101.