Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox has been fatally injured in a shooting, during a routine constituency clinic, police have confirmed.
The Labour MP died after the incident, which is believed to have taken place outside Birstall Library, Market Street, Birstall, this afternoon.
A man who tried to help Mrs Cox is reported to have been stabbed. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Mrs Cox lying in the road.
One eyewitness said: “People were already helping her.
“I saw a man in another shop and he needed help. The ambulances took less than five minutes to get there.
“Someone told me they saw the man running off changing his clothes as he ran.”
Batley-born mother-of-two Mrs Cox, 41, was elected to the Batley and Spen seat last year.
Key Events
Vigil report
Here’s Nick’s report from tonight’s vigil.
We are closing the blog now after what has been an absolutely devastating day.
Our thoughts remain with Jo’s family, friends, colleagues and everyone that knew and loved her.
Bless you Jo.
Local MPs in attendance
Bradford West MP Naz Shah and Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves have also paid their respects
Paula Sherriff in tears
Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff is understandably extremely upset at the vigil. She and Jo were both elected last May.
Labour MPs in attendance
Yvette Cooper, MP for Pontefract and Castleford, and Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, are at the vigil, as is Kirklees Council chief executive Adrian Lythgo
Hymns in Jo's memory
At the vigil there is another moment of quiet for reflection and prayers.
A member of the congregation is singing “oh Lord hear my prayer”
Rev Paul Knight addresses the congregation
The Rev Paul KNight is saying: “In many ways we’re still numb.
“That’s why it’s right we should mostly be still.
“But there will be opportunity to talk after.
“There will be feelings of great anger and pain. We will be here for each over in the days ahead.
“Jo grew up in this community and she gave her life for it.
“She was someone who was deeply committed to her own family as a wife and a mother.”
A community united in grief
Nick says: “People of many faiths have turned out, young and old.
“The whole church silent as more sombre music is played.
“None of us could believe the news, says the speaker.”
People still arriving
Nick says: The church is packed out with people still arriving.
“Music is playing and the vicar is now reading from the bible.”
Vigil for Jo Cox taking place in Birstall
Nick is at the church but has been unable to get in. We’ll bring you tweets from others at the vigil.
Tribute by Mark Burns-Williamson
West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson, said:
“My thoughts and prayers are with Jo’s family at this time.
“I have worked closely with Jo since she was elected and I am deeply shocked that such a talented young woman has been senselessly attacked and killed whilst working in her constituency and serving her community.
“This is a truly shocking incident but I want to reassure communities that our information is that this is a localised incident, albeit one that has a much wider impact.
“I must stress that investigations are ongoing, a man has been arrested, and we need to let the police do their job in understanding exactly what has happened that led up to this hugely tragic incident and channel all our thoughts into supporting the families and communities affected.”
West Yorkshire Police statement in full
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.
“This is a very significant investigation with a large number of witnesses that are being spoken to by the police at this time. 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.
“There are specially trained officers with Jo’s immediate family who are fully aware of what has taken place. We would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident at this time.”
Amnesty International: Jo was a 'tireless campaigner for justice and human rights'
Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said:
“We are extremely saddened to hear this tragic news. Jo was a tireless campaigner for justice and human rights.
“Her campaigning on refugees, Syria and the rights of women and girls made her stand out as an MP who always put the lives of the most vulnerable at the heart of her work.
“We are proud to have worked with her and the thoughts of everyone at Amnesty International are with her family at this sad time.”
Jo Cox is the first member of the House of Commons to be murdered in office since 1990
Jo Cox is the first member of the House of Commons to be murdered in office since 1990, when Ian Gow became the last in a string of MPs to die at the hands of Northern Irish terror groups. A former private parliamentary secretary to Margaret Thatcher, Eastbourne MP Mr Gow was killed by an IRA car bomb at his Sussex home at the age of 53.
Ed Miliband: 'My heart breaks for the loss of Jo Cox'
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband said: “My heart breaks for the loss of Jo Cox and for Brendan and their kids. She was so full of life and joy. Words feel hopeless right now.”
He praised Mr Cox’s “extraordinary dignity, love and compassion”, adding: “Brendan - we all stand with you and grieve with you.”
