Labour MP shot and stabbed in West Yorkshire

UPDATE: It has now been announced that Labour MP Jo Cox died at 1.48pm at the scene of the shooting following the horrific attack on her.

Latest reports suggest that her alleged killer is named Thomas or Tommy Mair a local resident. Previously, during the height of the troubles, MPs such as Ian Gow and Airey Neave had been assassinated by the IRA but this killing appears to be totally without motive.

Announcement of the death of Jo Cox – @rupertevelyn Twitter

THE Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in the street in Birstall on the afternoon of June 16.

Whilst no explanation has been given for the attack which has left her in a very serious condition, it is known that 41-year-old Ms Cox, whose birthday is just a few days away, was closely associated with the Friends of Syria parliamentary group,

According to witnesses, she was attacked by a man in his 50s wearing a baseball cap who pulled a gun from a bag and shot her three times before attacking her with a knife. One report suggests that the assailant shouted “Britain First” before attacking her.

West Yorkshire police announced “At 12.53 today, police were called to a report of an incident on Market Street, Birstall, where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition.

A man in his late 40s to early 50s nearby also suffered slight injuries.

Armed officers attended and a 52-year-old man was arrested in the area. There are no further details at present.”

Whilst Ms Cox was taken to Leeds General Hospital, fellow politicians from all parties expressed their horror at what had happened, hoped that she would have a speedy recovery and sent their best wishes to her husband and two young children.