Jo Cox shooting: Man arrested after Labour MP shot in Birstall

Police say a 52-year-old man has been arrested

(Twitter)

A man has been arrested after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in her constituency, police have confirmed.

The man, aged 52, was arrested shortly after the incident which occured at 12:53. Cox is said to be in a critical condition.

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The MP for Batley and Spen was attacked outside a library in the town of Birstall, West Yorkshire, where she was holding a constituency surgery event.

Eyewitnesses report that the 41-year-old mother of two was left lying bleeding on the pavement after the incident. She was subsequently airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where she is receiving medical attention.

An eyewitness said she was left lying in a pool of blood. Hichem Ben Abdallah said: "He was kicking her as she was lying on the floor."

Birstall Library where the incident occurred (Google)

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire police said: “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.

"Police presence in the area has been increased as a reassurance to the community.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “We're aware of the incident that happened this afternoon.

“All our thoughts are with Jo Cox and her family. We cannot give any further updates at this time.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Utterly shocked by the news of the attack on Jo Cox. The thoughts of the whole Labour Party are with her and her family at this time.”

More to follow