A number of businesses will be closed and events cancelled in Birstall this weekend following the killing of MP Jo Cox.

Police have closed off Market Street in the village, and have told business owners it will be inaccessible for some time.

Colin Frith, the part owner of the Dance Academy, in Market Street, said the feeling in the area is “surreal”.

Flowers and tributes left in memory of MP Jo Cox

“It will take time to come to terms with what has happened, and with all the media attention.

“It was such an awful incident and everyone is feeling a bit surreal at the moment.”

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He said he doesn’t know how long premises in the area will be inaccessible.

“The police have said how long is a piece of string.”

Floral tributes in Birstall Market Place

All events at the academy over the next few days, including children’s dance classes, have been cancelled, and Mr Frith urged anyone who is unsure to contact him.

He said a number of other businesses in the area are in the same situation.

“People should keep up to date with the news and social media, or they can ring me on my mobile, but not on the office number as we cannot get in.”

Mr Frith can be contacted on 07792 044923.

Time Line

Jo Cox murder - how events unfolded

  1. How events unfolded during the day

    MP Jo Cox dies following shooting in Birstall - latest tributes

  2. The MP in profile

    Who is Jo Cox? The Batley and Spen MP in profile 

  3. Everything we know about what happened

    Jo Cox murder: everything we know so far 

  4. Eyewitness reports

    What happened to Jo Cox? Eyewitness claims attacker shouted 'Britain First' before shooting her three times 

  5. Britain First leader says killer 'probably wasn't a member' of far right group

    Britain First leader says Jo Cox attacker might have shouted 'is it time to put Britain first?" 

  6. Jo Cox has tragically died of her injuries

    Breaking: Jo Cox MP dies after attack in Birstall today 

  7. Jo Cox obituary

    Jo Cox obituary: Batley and Spen MP so proud to serve her home town 

  8. Jo Cox's husband Brendan's statement

    Jo Cox's husband's heartbreaking statement after MP's murder 

  9. Police statement in full

    Jo Cox murder: West Yorkshire Police's statement in full 

  10. Hero police tacked suspect despite being unarmed and not wearing stab vests

    Watch: Moment Jo Cox murder suspect is arrested by hero police

  11. Tears and sadness at the vigil in Jo's memory

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  12. Book of condolence opened in Batley

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  13. Leaders unite

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  14. A local campaigner

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  15. More than £1,000,000 raised for Jo

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  16. Online condolence book

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  17. Terrorism link probed

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  18. Thomas Mair charged with murder

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  19. Mair's first court appearance

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  20. "He never spoke to anyone"

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  21. Tributes from Jo's devastated family

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  22. A hero tried to save her

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  23. "A good Samaritan"

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  24. Main parties won't contest Batley and Spen seat

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  25. MPs wore white roses in Jo's honour

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  26. Hero Bernard Kenny who tried to save Jo

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  27. Tributes to Jo

    Light sculpture created for Jo Cox memorial service in Huddersfield tonight
  28. People pay tribute to Jo on her birthday

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  29. Mair's first appearance in crown court

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  30. MPs pay tribute in parliament

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  31. More than £1,000,000 in four days in Jo's memory

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  32. Calls for Bernard to receive the highest honour

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  33. Jo worked hard to support refugees

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