The former Labour MP Joan Walley has described West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox as "a truly special and compassionate woman who totally believed in public service" with a young family and a whole life in politics ahead of her.

Ms Walley, who had worked with Jo Cox in the House of Commons, was live on PM on BBC Radio 4 when the news of her colleague's death was announced.

Nick Robinson
Presenter, Radio 4 Today

People like me are paid to find the right words. Words to describe, to analyse, to explain. Words that match the moment.

Today is one of those day when it is very hard to find the words which convey the shock that I - that all those who are in politics or report on it - feel at the news that an MP has been murdered on the streets of Britain.

Jo Cox - a popular and respected Labour member of parliament, a young mother and a campaigner for the rights of refugees - was shot and stabbed by a man outside her constituency surgery. She was vulnerable to attack because she was, like so many MPs, available to anyone who wanted to see her with any grievance.

Her death is a reminder that our elected representatives, who are so often demonised for living separate lives from the rest of us, actually all too often live in our communities, in our streets worrying about the same things that we do.  Unlike us, though, they open themselves up not to just to criticism and abuse but to assault by those who disagree with them.

We do not know the exact circumstances of this attack. The police insist that it was "localised" ie not linked to any global terror threat. There are, though, suggestions that it was political. If that turns out to be true it is a reminder of one other thing too. The need at all times to respect those who disagree with us and to understand that anger, fury and rage are not the same as passion or belief.

It is fitting that today the cacophony of this referendum campaign is briefly on hold.

Laura Kuenssberg
BBC political editor

It's an over-used word these days, but Jo Cox was a star. She was brave, funny, and clever. 

In Westminster she was one of those rare people that whatever was going on in politics that day, however much backbiting there was, however many insults were being thrown around, the day was always improved if you bumped into her for a chat, a cup of tea, or heard her speak fearlessly and with compassion in the Commons.

But a conversation with her was just as likely to turn to her young kids, or the family's houseboat on the Thames, as it was to talk about the latest political machinations.

Oli Woodcock
BBC Local Live, Leeds

Jo Cox, the MP for Batley and Spen has died after being attacked in Birstall earlier today. 

Our thoughts are with her family.

Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, has released a statement following the MP's death.

Judith Blake, the leader of Leeds City Council, has just issued this statement, external following the death of Batley and Spen Labour MP Jo Cox (pictured):

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Jo's family and friends at this truly awful time. This is an absolutely shocking incident that has robbed a family of a loving mother and wife who was simply doing her job, representing the people of Batley and Spen.

"This is a tragedy which cannot be allowed to undermine our democratic processes, processes that Jo was so proud to represent. Leeds as a neighbour stands united with Kirklees and our thoughts remain with Jo’s family as they try to come to terms with their dreadful loss."

Following the death of Jo Cox MP, and the resulting decision by both sides of the European referendum debate to suspend campaigning, tonight's Question Time and This Week programmes, which would have focused on these campaigns, have been cancelled.

The changed schedule will be announced shortly.

Theresa May gives a statement in reaction to the death of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed during an attack in Birstall.

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson, said: 

"My thoughts and prayers are with Jo’s family at this time.I have worked closely with Jo since she was elected and I am deeply shocked that such a talented young woman has been senselessly attacked and killed whilst working in her constituency and serving her community.

"This is a truly shocking incident but I want to reassure communities that our information is that this is a localised incident, albeit one that has a much wider impact.

"I must stress that investigations are ongoing, a man has been arrested, and we need to let the police do their job in understanding exactly what has happened that led up to this hugely tragic incident and channel all our thoughts into supporting the families and communities affected." 

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to the MP Jo Cox saying "we've lost a great star" with "huge compassion and a big heart".

David Cameron said: "This is absolutely tragic and dreadful news. My thoughts are with Jo's husband Brendan, their two children and their wider family. We've lost a great star, she was a great campaigning MP with huge compassion and a big heart."

David Cameron was speaking during a visit to Gibraltar where an EU referendum campaign rally was cancelled. 

He said: "People are going to be very sad at what's happened, at this dreadful news, and it's right that we've suspended campaigning activity in this referendum, and everyone's thoughts will be with Jo's family and her constituents at this terrible time."

Nick Wilmshurst
BBC Local Live, Leeds

You've been emailing us with your comments, a general theme is just utter shock.

Here are some of them...

Home Secretary Theresa May has said it's "entirely appropriate" that all EU referendum campaigning has been suspended following the death of Batley and Spen Labour MP Jo Cox, who was fatally attacked in Birstall earlier this afternoon.

Mrs May says: "All of us are united in our deep sadness at the loss of one our brightest and most popular Westminster colleagues."

"This is a very significant investigation with a large number of witnesses that are being spoken to by the 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 underway to establish the motive for this murder.

 "There are specially trained officers with Jo's immediate family who are fully aware of what has taken place. We would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time. 

 "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident at this time." 

The Home Secretary Theresa May has paid tribute to Batley and Spen Labour MP Jo Cox, saying her "heart goes out" to Mrs Cox's family and friends.

In a statement a short time ago, Mrs May said: "The pain they must now be enduring is unimaginable and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time."

More now on the news that Jo Cox MP has died after she was shot and stabbed during an attack in her constituency, in Birstall. 

Jo Cox, 41, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was left bleeding on the ground by her attacker. A 77-year-old man also suffered slight injuries.  

Prime Minister David Cameron has said: "The death of Jo Cox is a tragedy. She was a committed and caring MP. My thoughts are with her husband Brendan and her two young children."