Jo Cox death: Labour MP reported 'malicious communications' to police before attack amid concerns for security

Her death has sparked calls for MPs' security to be reviewed

(REUTERS)

Jo Cox had been targeted with a stream of threatening messages and harassment in the months before her death, sparking a police investigation.

Additional security was considered at her constituency and at her houseboat in London, The Times reported, but was not put in place before she was attacked outside Birstall Library on Thursday.

The killing came three months after a man was cautioned for sending her “malicious communications”, but the Metropolitan Police confirmed the person arrested in March was not the suspect arrested in connection with Mrs Cox’s death.

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who was elected in last year’s general election, was shot and stabbed after she left a constituency advice surgery.

Mrs Cox, the mother of two children aged three and five, had been vocally campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU ahead of next week’s referendum and was also known for advocacy for victims of the Syrian civil war and calls for Britain to welcome more refugees.

The 41-year-old’s husband, Brendan Cox, said she was “killed by hatred”.

“Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous,” he added. ”Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full.“

Politicians have been warned to review their security after the attack and Downing Street said a reminder of safety guidance had been sent out to all MPs.

It includes steps representatives can take to stay safe when they are "out and about" and suggests if they have any concerns they should contact their local police.

Female MPs said security was a ”key concern“ when in a survey for the Commons Administration Committee carried out in August.

It recorded that politicians had dealt with incidents involving stalkers and people with knives and guns, while a separate survey found one in six MPs had suffered attacks or attempted attacks and more than a half had received threats.

In January, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority announced that MPs were to get an ”enhanced“ security package following a wave of protests outside constituency offices and homes over the Commons vote on bombing Syria.

Tributes have been pouring in for Mrs Cox from around the world, with Jeremy Corbyn describing her as a ”much-loved colleague“ and David Cameron among others praising her work and legacy.

Campaigning for the EU referendum was suspended as a mark of respect and vigils were held in Mrs Cox’s constituency and Parliament Square last night.

Downing Street said flags across Whitehall will fly at half-mast, while flags at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will also be lowered in tribute.