Labour MP Jo Cox dies from injuries sustained in shooting and stabbing attack

On an emotional day for the Labour Party, Rosena Allin-Khan has won the Tooting by-election with a majority three times that of her predecessor, London mayor Saddiq Khan.

There was two minutes' silence during the count and poignantly, she before the murder of Jo Cox, she would have been the 100th Labour woman MP.

She said "My thoughts and prayers are with Jo's husband and her children. She was a proud and passionate campaigner who will be desperately missed."

Some sources have told Sky that there could be a recall of parliament to pay tribute to Jo Cox.

A vigil took place at St Peter's Church in Birstall. Labour's Yvette Cooper (fourth from left) embraces the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, following the service.

The MP's local church will open its doors on Friday for condolences and prayers.

The Canadian MP Nathan Cullen broke down in tears in the Canadian parliament as he paid tribute to Jo Cox whom he knew personally.

The MP for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, made an emotional statement in the Canadian House of Commons, describing her as a mother and friend.

"Jo used her voice for those who have none. She dedicated her passion to those who needed it most and she harnessed her limitless love, even and especially for those who allowed hate to consume them," he said.

US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has issued a statement of condolence about the killing of the MP Jo Cox.

The tragic death of Jo Cox - but also her inspiring life, her incredible work - have made headlines around the world.

This from the Washington Post:

This from Australia's ABC.

Breaking news: Sky News: many MPs are asking for Parliament to be recalled to pay tribute to Jo Cox MP.

More soon.

11pm. A two-minute silence is being held at Wandsworth Town Hall during counting for the Tooting by-election count.

Not surpisingly, Friday's papers (17 June) are dominated by horrific events from West Yorkshire. The Mirror is reporting that brave bystanders surrounded the alleged gunman preventing him from inflicting more carnage.

More on tomorrow's front pages soon.

Touching tribute at Walthamstow Labour Party offices

Alex Massie's angry, thoughtful article for The Spectator has gone viral and been praised by most who read it. Here's a sample:

"When you shout BREAKING POINT over and over again, you don't get to be surprised when someone breaks. When you present politics as a matter of life and death, as a question of national survival, don't be surprised if someone takes you at your word. You didn't make them do it, no, but you didn't do much to stop it either."

Sarah Brown, wife of ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, knew Jo well. She said:

"She was so delighted to represent her home area in Batley and Spen. This has just been so heartbreaking. This is something that's so difficult to understand happening in our own country. I know (her husband) Brendan has made a beautiful statement this evening where he's wanted to surround those children with love but also make sure they hold all the hatred in an act like that at bay."

Sky News received a statement from Ireland's President Michael Higgins:

"I have heard of the death of Jo Cox MP in West Yorkshire with the greatest sadness.

"As all of us sympathise with her family, including her young children, all of us who are committed to democratic politics must also acknowledge our being shocked, appalled and outraged at the attack on her.

"Giving public service, assisting others and sharing in discourse at times of divided opinion is a necessary part of democracy. To see a young parliamentarian killed in the course of her work is especially shocking.

"That she has died in that service makes a dreadful comment on our times. Her loss must not be in vain."

The Guardian is reporting that a man has been arrested in Exeter on suspicion of making an abusive call to local MP Ben Bradshaw at his Westminster office. It is unclear if it relates to the death of Jo Cox or the tweet sent out by Mr Bradshaw (see below).

A spokesperson for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "An abusive phone call to MP Ben Bradshaw was recorded on his office answering machine. The office contacted parliamentary police and Devon and Cornwall police. A 37-year-old man from Exeter is in police custody for interview."

Justin Forsyth from UNICEF speaking to Channel 4 News.

Comment from Angus Robertson SNP Westminster leader on the death of Jo Cox

''The death of Jo Cox is sickening and shocking. She had already brought so much to politics and to her community and to be so brutally cut down at such a young age and with so much still to give is beyond comprehension. Jo contributed a huge amount in her time in Parliament, and had earned so much respect for her passion for her causes.

''She was doing her job when she died. All our thoughts are with her colleagues and friends in the Labour Party and our hearts go out to her husband Brendan and their two children.

''On behalf of the whole Westminster SNP group I share our sadness and extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Jo Cox.''

More on Tommy Mair's alleged right wing links from the IB Times' own Ewan Palmer

Conflicting reports on whether Tommy Mair shouted "Britain First!" and whether or not he was a Far Right sympathiser, a loner or just a kind and considerate neighbour. However some interesting information emerging about his politics - more soon.

Chancellor George Osborne said this at the Mansion Club:

"People are free in this country to live their lives as they choose and express themselves without fear. Society will protect their right to do so and hold to account those who disregard our laws. Today's horrible events are an assault on all of these values. But we know that these values, no matter how they have been challenged in the past, have always prevailed, prevail today and they will always prevail. For they are the values of Great Britain, our great democracy."

Canada: politicians pay tribute and observe a minute's silence for Jo.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has released a statement:

"This is utterly shocking and tragic news, which has left everyone stunned.

My thoughts this evening are with Jo Cox's family - my heart breaks for them. Although I didn't know Jo personally, I know she was held in huge regard as a brilliant young woman, who had already contributed a huge amount in her time in Parliament, and today she was simply going about her job as a local MP.

My thoughts and condolences also go to Jo's colleagues in the Labour party and to the many friends she had clearly made across the political spectrum."

US Department of State comments on death of Jo Cox.

The BBC has confirmed that tonight's Question Time and This Week have been cancelled.

"In light of the death of the MP Jo Cox, and the resulting decision by both sides of the European referendum debate to suspend campaigning, tonight's Question Time and This Week programmes, which would have focused on these campaigns, have been cancelled," a BBC spokesperson said.

"The changed schedule will be announced shortly."

Another moving tribute to Jo Cox, this one from BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg:

"It's an over-used word these days, but Jo was a star. She was brave, funny, and clever.

In Westminster she was one of those rare people that whatever was going on in politics that day, however much backbiting there was, however many insults were being thrown around, the day was always improved if you bumped into her for a chat, a cup of tea, or heard her speak fearlessly and with compassion in the Commons.

But a conversation with her was just as likely to turn to her young kids, or the family's houseboat on the Thames, as it was to talk about the latest political machinations.

Jo was an MP who cared deeply about her party, and how politics can make a difference not just here, but around the world."

A neighbour of chief suspect Tommy Mair said the 52-year-old had lived in the same house on Field Head estate in Birstall for 40 years, and had lived with his grandmother until she died around 20 years ago.

Kathleen Cooke,62, told The Telegraph:"I am really shocked. He walked past my house this morning and said hello like he always does. He was wearing a grey T shirt and his white baseball cap like he always does and he was carrying a small rucksack.

"He is just a quiet bloke who keeps himself to himself. He is very helpful and he helps local people with their gardens. There is one neighbour who is a bit frail and he keeps her garden tidy. He has helped me cut my hedge a couple of times."

The Bank of England has confirmed that Mark Carney's speech has been cancelled.

In a statement the Bank of England press office said:

"In the light of the dreadful attack today on Jo Cox MP the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, will no longer be delivering the planned speech at Mansion House. The Governor will be attending the event and will now deliver a short speech reflecting on today's events."

A deeply moving statement released by Brendan Cox, husband of Jo Cox.

Brendan Cox the husband of the late Jo Cox MP has released a statement following the murder of his wife in North West Yorkshire. He said she "believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy."

Brendan Cox, Jo's husband, has issued a statement about her death. He says she would have wanted everyone to unite "to fight against the hatred that killed her".

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.

Britain First has released video statement on Facebook.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, has made a statement following the death of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen.

"I am absolutely devastated to learn the news about Jo Cox. Jo was an outstanding Member of Parliament and a wonderful, kind, caring person who was liked and respected in all parts of the House. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this harrowing time."

In her maiden speech to parliament, Jo Cox's message was one of unity. She told the house: "We are far more united and far more in common than that which divides us"

David Cameron has said on Twitter that Jo Cox's death is a tragedy. He said his thoughts were with her husband Brendan and her two children.

In 2010, a Thomas Mair was quoted in a local story about volunteers at Oakwell Hall, a 110-acre country park and visitor attraction in Birstall.

Mair had started "volunteering at the park after learning about the opportunity through the Mirfield-based Pathways Day Centre for adults with mental health problems."

He said: "I can honestly say it has done me more good than all the psychotherapy and medication in the world. Many people who suffer from mental illness are socially isolated and disconnected from society, feelings of worthlessness are also common mainly caused by long-term unemployment.

"All these problems are alleviated by doing voluntary work ... For people for whom full-time, paid employment is not possible for a variety of reasons, voluntary work offers a socially positive and

Temporary chief constable for West Yorkshire Dee Collins said at a news conference: "I am now very sad to have to report that she has died as a result of her injuries."

"This is a truly shocking incident, but I want to sure that this was a localised incident...and a man has been arrested," she added.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman has said Labour MP Jo Cox has died in hospital following a gun and knife attack.

The BBC and others have reported that the alleged shooter was named locally as Tommy Mair.

Britain First has distanced itself from reports that it was in any way involved in the attack after eyewitnesses claimed the attacker shouted "Britain First" as he shot Joe Cox.

"Britain First obviously is NOT involved and would never encourage behaviour of this sort.

"As an MP and and a mother, we pray that Jo Cox makes a full recovery." the group said in a statement on its website.

In Parliament, Jo Cox's maiden speech was both pro-EU and pro-immigration

BBC North Yorkshire has tweeted these pictures from the scene of the stabbing in Birstall.

Amateur video footage has emerged of ambulances rushing to the scene of the attack in North West Yorkshire

Jo Cox, 41, is the MP for Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire. Born in Batley, she studied at Heckmondwike Grammar School, and graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1995.

She lives with her husband, Brendan, and two children on a houseboat near Tower Bridge, London. Before becoming an MP, she worked as head of policy for Oxfam.

Eyewitness Clarke Rothwell, who runs a nearby cafe, told the BBC he believed the MP had been shot and stabbed multiple times.

"Three times she was shot, the initial time which then she dropped to the floor and two more times. The third time he got close proximity he shot her round the head area. In the meantime he was stabbing her as well, he was stabbing her with his knife," Rothwell said.

Rothwell said there was blood everywhere at the scene. Asked if he thought Ms Cox had intervened in a dispute he said he understood the altercation was "always between the guy carrying the gun and the lady that got shot".

Press officials at St. James' University Hospital in Leeds and Leeds General Infirmary told IBTimes UK all queries about Jo Cox should be referred to the police. The situation is understood to be a fluid one.

Eye witnesses have reported Cox was shot three times during the scuffle.

The MailOnline has reported more details on the scuffle prior to the shooting and the allegations the attacker shouted Britain First before the assault.

Aamir Tahir, who runs a nearby business, confirmed the gunman was heard shouting "Britain first".

"The lady I work with heard two loud bangs ... I wish I was there because I would have tried to stop him. Apparently the guy who did it shouted 'Britain first' and if I had been there I would have tackled him."

The Yorkshire Post has tweeted a video from the scene of the shooting in Birstall.

Britain First's Deputy leader, Jayda Fransen, has denied to IBTimes UK any connection between her organisation and the attacker who reportedly shouted the group's name before opening fire.

Vote Leave has suspended battle bus campaigning for the day in light of the attack on Jo Cox.

Boris Johnson, who was out campaigning on the bus in East Anglia, said: "Just heard the absolutely horrific news about the attack on Jo Cox MP. My thoughts are with Jo and her family."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has expressed his concern at the news of the shooting, adding that the thoughts of the whole Labour party are with the MP.

Another man, a second individual in his late 40s or early 50s, was also reportedly injured in a scuffle between Jo Cox and the suspect.

Jo Cox's husband Brendan was reportedly part of the pro-EU flotilla which sailed on the Thames yesterday (15 June).

In the immediate aftermath of the attack politicians from across the political divide have expressed their concern and support as Labour MP Jo Cox receives emergency treatment.

Neighbouring MP Yvette Cooper has said: "Terrible, terrible news. Thoughts and prayers with good friend Jo and with her family."

Labour's Chuka Umunna tweeted: "Utterly awful news about an attack on a superb and wonderful colleague @Jo-Cox1 - hoping and praying for her and her family right now,"

Conservative MP Sir Eric Pickles said he was "very shocked" and he is praying for her recovery.

Tory Steve Baker said: "Utterly appalling news - Godspeed for a quick recovery."

Labour's Lucy Powell said: "Dreadful, dreadful news coming in about my good friend Jo Cox. I really hope all ok. Awful."

A local shop owner - who asked not to be identified - told IBTimes UK that businesses in the vicinity had been asked to close up in the wake of the assault.

Police say a 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

The Daily Mirror has reported that an elderly man shouted 'Britain First' as he carried out the attack.

The Press Assocation reported, quoting witness Ben Abdallah, 56, that the shots and stabbing followed a scuffle outside the Library.

"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 was quoted as saying.

"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," Abdallah added.

The BBC reported that Cox has been taken by air ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary. Armed police are guarding the hospital.

The Yorkshire Post reported that Cox was also stabbed during the assault on the steps of Birstall Library.

Helicopters have been heard flying overhead at the scene with four ambulances and heavily armed police officers dispatched to the area.