Twyford mourns loss of former colleague - UK MP Jo Cox

  • 17/06/2016
(Jeremy Corbyn/Facebook)
(Jeremy Corbyn/Facebook)

The violent death of a UK Labour MP is being mourned by her New Zealand counterparts.

Jo Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed on a street near Leeds.

Labour MP Phil Twyford says he worked with Ms Cox at Oxfam International in the early 2000s.

"She was just a fantastic campaigner full of compassion, a really brave, gutsy woman," he says.

"I think it will really be something that's very chilling for everyone who cares about democracy."

The announcement that the mother-of-two had died came at a police media conference fronted by Commissioner Mark Burns Williamson.

"I've worked closely with Jo since she was elected, and I am deeply shocked that such a talented young woman has been so senselessly attacked and killed," he says.

The man alleged to have carried out the attack was arrested at the scene.

Records show 52-year-old Tommy Mair has had mental health issues, and neighbours describe him as a loner.

He has lived in the same Birstall house for 30 years, living there alone for the last two decades after the deaths of his mother and grandmother.

Mair allegedly shouted the slogan of a right-wing group opposed to immigration during the attack.

Ms Cox supported remaining in the European Union, ahead of the Brexit referendum.

Both sides in the debate over Britain's future in the European Union have agreed to suspend campaigning.

"It's right that we're suspending campaigning activity in this referendum," says British Prime Minister David Cameron. "Everyone's thoughts will be with Jo's family and with her constituents."

Newshub.