THE MPs for Barrow and Furness and Copeland have spoken of their devastation and deep shock at the death of their Labour colleague, Jo Cox MP, who died after being shot and stabbed in the street.

The mother-of-two was attacked by a man reportedly shouting "Britain first" at lunchtime in Birstall, near Leeds, in West Yorkshire.

Temporary chief constable for West Yorkshire Dee Collins told a news conference: "I am now very sad to have to report that she has died as a result of her injuries."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the country would be "in shock at the horrific murder" of the Batley and Spen MP, who was a "much loved colleague".

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “We are all in deep shock and anguish at losing our wonderful colleague and friend. Jo was awesome and inspiring to work with – a passionate and eloquent MP, a caring colleague and a brilliant mum.

“I was privileged to work with Jo on re-establishing the Friends of Syria group and will always remember her deep dedication to doing what little we could over here to make a difference to the bloodshed and suffering in that region. She made a big impact in her terribly short time in parliament and we are devastated at losing her.”

Jamie Reed, Copeland MP, said: "I think the first thing to say is that I can't imagine what her husband, children and family are going through right now and my heart is absolutely breaking for them.

"The short time she was a Member of Parliament she demonstrated she was one of the best, most intelligent people in the House of Commons and she had an incredible future ahead of her.

"Parliament needs more people like Jo Cox in it because of her invaluable experience of the outside world that she brought into Parliament."

In addition to paying tribute to his friend and colleague, Mr Reed also spoke with anger and disgust as he described the "tidal wave of hate" that is sweeping across the country.

He said: "I don't recognise this country from only two or three years ago.

"We're a dis-united kingdom and there's a tidal wave of hate sweeping across this country and I don't know when it's going to end.

"We were fortunate to have Jo in parliament and most of all it's just devastating for her family and friends.

"She was just so committed to her husband and children and a very beautiful woman as well."

Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat leader and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said: “I am utterly heartbroken at the news of the death of Jo Cox. This is a devastating attack on our peaceful society. An attack on an elected representative is an attack on everyone.

“She was outstanding representative who stood up for her community diligently. She also stood up for the desperate and those in need – I am proud of the stance she took raising the plight of refugees.

“Her compassion for the voiceless and dispossessed absolutely shone through to me. She was a star of the 2015 intake and was inspiring to listen to.

“A young family has lost a mum and a wife, a community has lost a great MP and Parliament has lost an authentic and passionate voice.

“It seems the vile politics of hate has gone from the darkened corners of the internet to violence on our streets. Our country is poorer for this mindless slaughter.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and with all her colleagues in the Labour movement and throughout her community. We stand with you.”

The alleged gunman has been named locally as Tommy Mair, 52, who neighbours in Birstall have described as "a loner".

Ms Collins expressed her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms Cox, who had two children aged three and five.

She said: "Jo was attacked by a man who inflicted serious and sadly, ultimately fatal injuries. Subsequently there was a further attack on a 77-year-old man nearby who has sustained injuries that are non-life threatening."

She added: "This is a very significant investigation with a large number of witnesses being spoken to at this time.

"It's a large and significant crime scene and a large police presence with a full investigation is under way to establish the motive for this attack."

Ms Collins continued: "Shortly afterwards a man was arrested nearby by local uniformed police officers. Weapons, including a firearm, have also been recovered.

"At 1.48pm Jo Cox was pronounced deceased by a doctor who was working with a paramedic crew that were attending to her serious injuries.

"This is a very significant investigation with large numbers of witnesses that have been spoken to by police at this time. There is a large and significant crime scene and there is a large police presence in the area.

"A full investigation is under way to establish the motive for this attack."