Politicians react with horror to fatal attack on MP

MP Jo Cox died after a brutal attack while working in her constituency

The Labour representative for Batley and Spen was shot and stabbed in her constituency.

The 41-year-old mother-of-two was left lying in a pool of blood on the pavement after her assailant attacked her outside her advice surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire. She died later in hospital.

West Yorkshire Police said a 52-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack.

Linlithgow and East Falkirk MP Martyn Day was one of many taking to social media to express his condolences.

He said: ‘‘Heartbreaking to learn Jo Cox has died after today’s attack. Thoughts are with her family at this terribly tragic time.’’

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘‘I didn’t know Jo Cox but by all accounts she was a brilliant young MP and today she was just doing her job. My heart breaks for her family.’’

Labour’s only Scottish MP, Ian Murray, said: ‘‘Utterly shell shocked at the death of Jo Cox. There are no words.’’

Ms Cox was elected to Wesminster at the last General Election in 2015.

She was a Remain supporter in the referendum and both official campaigns have suspended their operations as a mark of respect.

She had two children with husband Brendan who shortly after the attack tweeted a picture of her next to the River Thames.

Video: Labour MP Jo Cox dies after shooting and stabbing outside Birstall library

‘A joy to represent such a diverse community’ What Jo Cox said in her maiden speech to the Commons in June 2015

Jo Cox speaks to The Yorkshire Post about her life and about working in the world’s most dangerous war zones