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Labour MP Jo Cox shot in West Yorkshire – latest updates Labour MP Jo Cox shot in West Yorkshire – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
5.02pm BST
17:02
There was police activity shortly after the attack at a semi-detached house on the fieldhead estate in Birstall. Thomas Mair, 52, is the registered occupier of the address, according to the electoral roll, Vikram Dodd, Nazia Parveen and Rob Booth report.
A police cordon surrounded the house as a helicopter circled overheard and forensic officers in boiler suits appeared to be searching the neat front garden, as well as around garages at the back of the well-maintained property.
Neighbours on the Fieldhead council estate said the man had lived here 40 years with a female relative, who died a number of years ago, leaving him alone.
Kathleen Cooke, 62, said she and her daughter, Emma John, 30, had seen Mair half an hour before the attack.
“I looked out of the window at about 12.30 and he walked past a carrying his bag, wearing a cap. He looked perfectly calm and normal,” said John.
“He was a quiet person, kept himself to himself. We knew him around here from when he used to do our gardens,” said Cooke.
One woman, who gave her name just as Karen, said Mair did her mother’s garden regularly until a few years ago. He didn’t seem to have a job, she said.
Local teenagers said he was a quiet man unless they congregated on the wall behind his house, which he didn’t like. “He’d shout at us,” said a 17-year-old.
“All this we are hearing now is totally at odds with the man we thought we knew,” said one neighbour. “We knew him as someone who helped out, who did volunteering.”
Updated
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5.00pm BST
17:00
Local resident Sam Watson told the BBC that people from nearby shops rushed to help. He said:
We were outside there and then we heard loads of screaming and then we looked down the corner. There were a woman lying behind a red car. And then when we looked over the road, some of the Sandwich and Co, from another sandwich shop across the road, were getting another man that was injured and bringing him into their shop.
And then the guy had a black hat on, and he was just casually walking away. He weren’t running - he was just walking. He walked up through the market.
4.47pm BST
16:47
Enda Kenny, the Irish prime minister, has cancelled an EU referendum speech he was due to give this evening following the attack on Jo Cox.
Following the appalling attack on Jo Cox MP & the suspension of campaigning I will not be speaking on the EU/UK referendum this evening.
4.43pm BST
16:43
Here are some more expressions of support for Jo Cox from fellow MPs.
Horrified to hear reports of attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with Jo and her family.
Praying for Jo Cox's recovery. She has been a staunch advocate for Syria & its refugees and a great local MP. Thoughts with her family today
Thoughts, love and solidarity with you, Brendan, with the children and with Jo. https://t.co/Rpi2rkXDYj
Thoughts & prayers with @Jo_Cox1 & family, hoping all her special reserves of strength which have served so many others now serve herself.
Can't stop thinking about my intelligent, principled & beautiful colleague @Jo_Cox1. Love to her family.
Devastating news about my Parliamentary colleague Jo Cox. In a state of shock at the barbarity of the attack. All my thoughts are with her.
Attack on Jo Cox is truly shocking - prayers and thoughts with her and her family at this awful time
Sad, shocked and appalled to learn of the horrific attack on Jo Cox. My thoughts are with Jo and her family at this difficult time.
Horrified by the news about Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers her family and friends at this difficult time.
Love, thoughts and best wishes. D https://t.co/YRGy2oituM
Thoughts are with you and the kids Brendan x https://t.co/ohJn8Es7qk
My thoughts are with Jo Cox MP and her family.
So upset about what has happened to my lovely, immensely hard working and dedicated colleague Jo Cox. Thoughts very much with her family
Thinking of Jo Cox and her family, wishing and willing everything will be ok xxxxx
Shocked & horrified by news of unbelievable attack on our colleague Jo Cox. Thoughts and prayers for Jo, her family & loved ones.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jo Cox and her family during this most difficult time.
4.31pm BST
16:31
This is from BuzzFeed’s Emily Ashton.
Jo Cox backed the Dubs amendment for Britain to accept 3,000 child refugees. Here’s what she said in the Commons. pic.twitter.com/Ev4wSgo90V
4.20pm BST4.20pm BST
16:2016:20
What we know so far about the shooting of the Labour MP Jo CoxWhat we know so far about the shooting of the Labour MP Jo Cox
Mark TranMark Tran
Updated
at 4.53pm BST
4.18pm BST4.18pm BST
16:1816:18
The acting Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has tweeted about the attack on Jo Cox.The acting Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has tweeted about the attack on Jo Cox.
Condeno la terrible agresión sufrida por la diputada británica Jo Cox. La violencia no tiene cabida en democracia. Deseo su recuperación. MRCondeno la terrible agresión sufrida por la diputada británica Jo Cox. La violencia no tiene cabida en democracia. Deseo su recuperación. MR
This translates as:This translates as:
I condemn the terrible attack on the British deputy Jo Cox. Violence has no place in democracy. I wish recovery. MR I condemn the terrible attack on the British representative Jo Cox. Violence has no place in democracy. I hope for her recovery. MR
Updated
at 4.55pm BST
4.14pm BST4.14pm BST
16:1416:14
This is from Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Charlie Flanagan.This is from Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Charlie Flanagan.
The fact that Ms Cox was attacked in this vicious way in the course of carrying out her duties for her constituents is deeply shocking.The fact that Ms Cox was attacked in this vicious way in the course of carrying out her duties for her constituents is deeply shocking.
The suspension of the Remain and Leave campaigns for today is an apt recognition that today’s horrific incident was an attack, not just on Ms Cox personally, but on the practice of democratic politics. The suspension of the remain and leave campaigns for today is an apt recognition that today’s horrific incident was an attack, not just on Ms Cox personally, but on the practice of democratic politics.
Updated
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4.09pm BST4.09pm BST
16:0916:09
Nick Clegg, a longtime friend of Jo Cox’s, said his thoughts are with her and her family, friends and colleagues.Nick Clegg, a longtime friend of Jo Cox’s, said his thoughts are with her and her family, friends and colleagues.
I am deeply shocked as someone who knows Jo. She is a lovely decent person, full of goodwill to everybody. My heart goes out to her and everybody affected.I am deeply shocked as someone who knows Jo. She is a lovely decent person, full of goodwill to everybody. My heart goes out to her and everybody affected.
But also it is such a vile affront to our democracy.But also it is such a vile affront to our democracy.
One of the great things about our democracy is that anybody can just wander in and see their MP in their weekly surgeries.One of the great things about our democracy is that anybody can just wander in and see their MP in their weekly surgeries.
That violence against Jo, although that is the most important thing … is also violence against our democratic values and very proud democratic traditions.That violence against Jo, although that is the most important thing … is also violence against our democratic values and very proud democratic traditions.
And this is from the Scottish Labour leader, Kezia Dugdale.And this is from the Scottish Labour leader, Kezia Dugdale.
What is clear is that Jo Cox was attacked doing what politicians do most days when they are out-with parliament – holding a constituency surgery.What is clear is that Jo Cox was attacked doing what politicians do most days when they are out-with parliament – holding a constituency surgery.
To be attacked like that is deeply alarming and very concerning.To be attacked like that is deeply alarming and very concerning.
Jo is a very active, good MP, everybody will be very concerned about her health.Jo is a very active, good MP, everybody will be very concerned about her health.
We are collectively hoping and praying she is going to pull through.We are collectively hoping and praying she is going to pull through.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.12pm BSTat 4.12pm BST
4.05pm BST4.05pm BST
16:0516:05
Heather StewartHeather Stewart
Jo Cox’s fellow Labour MP Alison McGovern said: “Jo brought her dedication and her passion both for her home town and for the causes she had fought for all her life to parliament.”Jo Cox’s fellow Labour MP Alison McGovern said: “Jo brought her dedication and her passion both for her home town and for the causes she had fought for all her life to parliament.”
She added that the kind of detailed, knowledgeable parliamentary questions asked by Cox underlined the fact that she used her expertise, including on development issues, to hold the government to account.She added that the kind of detailed, knowledgeable parliamentary questions asked by Cox underlined the fact that she used her expertise, including on development issues, to hold the government to account.
She’s that kind of clever, brilliant, committed person who uses parliament to stand up for the people in the world who most need us.She’s that kind of clever, brilliant, committed person who uses parliament to stand up for the people in the world who most need us.
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.11pm BSTat 4.11pm BST
4.04pm BST4.04pm BST
16:0416:04
Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, has posted this picture of her on Twitter within the last few minutes.Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, has posted this picture of her on Twitter within the last few minutes.
pic.twitter.com/mPOaytowxNpic.twitter.com/mPOaytowxN
3.57pm BST3.57pm BST
15:5715:57
Terry Flynn-Edwards, who runs the Divine hair studio, opposite the scene of the attack, said a man from the dry cleaners had tried to stop the attack.Terry Flynn-Edwards, who runs the Divine hair studio, opposite the scene of the attack, said a man from the dry cleaners had tried to stop the attack.
She said: “She walked out of the library with her PA and he was waiting for her. He stabbed her first and this guy tried to stop him and then he shot her.”She said: “She walked out of the library with her PA and he was waiting for her. He stabbed her first and this guy tried to stop him and then he shot her.”
3.52pm BST
15:52
Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of Britain First, said the party was “looking into the reports right now”.
“We were extremely shocked to see these reports and we are keen to confirm them, because of course at the moment it is hearsay,” she said. “This has just been brought to our attention. This is absolutely not the kind of behaviour we would condone.”
Updated
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3.50pm BST
15:50
Updated
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3.46pm BST
15:46
Police investigating reports suspect shouted 'Britain First'
Police are also investigating reports the suspect shouted “Britain First”, a possible reference to the far-right political party, as he launched the attack, Vikram Dodd, Nazia Parveen and Rob Booth report.
Graeme Howard, 38, who lives in nearby Bond Street, told the Guardian he heard the man shout “Britain First” before the shooting and during the arrest.
Police were understood to be talking to at least one witness who claimed to have heard the attacker shout words about the rightwing group, and the motivation for the incident will form part of their inquiry.
“I heard the shot and I ran outside and saw some ladies from the cafe running out with towels,” he said. “There was loads of screaming and shouting and the police officers showed up.
“He was shouting Britain First when he was doing it and being arrested. He was pinned down by two police officers and she was taken away in an ambulance.”
Updated
at 4.05pm BST
3.43pm BST
15:43
And this is from Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission.
Deeply shocked by news of terrible attack against MP Jo Cox. Thoughts and prayers with her husband and children.
3.37pm BST
15:37
This is from Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury.
Deeply shocked to hear about the attack on Jo Cox. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers of all here are with Jo and her family and friends.
3.36pm BST
15:36
This is from Gordon Brown.
Hoping, praying and thinking of Jo, Brendan and the children. GB
3.34pm BST
15:34
This is from the Press Association.
Birstall primary academy, which is a few streets away from where the shooting took place, said police had advised it to remain on lockdown, adding that staff and children are safe.
Norristhorpe junior & infant school, in the nearby village of Liversedge, said it was keeping children in school until they are collected by an adult, on the advice of Kirklees council.
Updated
at 4.06pm BST
3.32pm BST
15:32
David Cameron has cancelled his trip to Gibraltar in the light of the attack on Jo Cox.
It's right that all campaigning has been stopped after the terrible attack on Jo Cox. I won't go ahead with tonight's rally in Gibraltar.
3.31pm BST
15:31
This is from the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt.
Thoughts with Jo Cox and her family after a shocking attack. Air ambulance & staff at Leeds General Infirmary are doing everything possible.
3.29pm BST
15:29
The Press Association has filed this profile of Jo Cox.
In parliament for little over a year, Jo Cox has already carved out a reputation as a plain speaker and solid operator.
Relatively young by political standards, Cox is due to celebrate her 42nd birthday next Wednesday, and has been spoken of as a future minister.
Cox is a remain supporter in the referendum, and both official campaigns have suspended their operations as a mark of respect following the attack on her.
The MP for Batley and Spen, who is married with two children, graduated from Cambridge University in 1995 and went on to be head of policy for Oxfam, and work as an adviser for former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown’s wife, Sarah, and Lady Kinnock.
Cox has been a vocal advocate for the victims of the Syrian civil war and is chair of the all-party parliamentary Friends of Syria group.
The MP abstained in last autumn’s contentious vote on allowing British military action in Syria, insisting a more wide-ranging attempt at a solution to the conflict was needed.
Chair of the Labour Women’s Network, Cox nominated Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership contest last year, but voted for Blairite candidate Liz Kendall in the end.
Cox later said she regretted helping Corbyn get on the ballot paper, and pulled no punches after Labour’s poor performance in last month’s local and Scottish elections.
As the disappointing results rolled-in, Cox told the BBC: “Jeremy needs to personally recognise that this isn’t good enough.
“He needs to take responsibility, he needs to set out a route map to power in 2020, and let’s rally first and foremost around the EU referendum.
“We need to look very hard at what’s gone wrong in the last eight months and put it right.”
Asked if she expected a leadership challenge, Cox said: “Nobody is talking about that now and I don’t think it is the right course of action, but the clock is ticking.”
Cox was also an advisor to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and to anti-slavery campaign group The Freedom Fund before entering parliament.
Despite growing up in the area, Tories attempted to paint Cox as a candidate “parachuted” into Batley and Spen during the 2015 contest because she and her family’s London home was a converted barge moored near Tower Bridge.
But Labour insisted the Tories suffered from “candidate envy” as Cox was registered to vote in the constituency and would divide her time between West Yorkshire and the capital if elected.
Cox secured a majority of 6,057 in the general election, and fellow Labour MP John Mann remarked: “She is one of the stars of the new intake.”
Updated
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