With tensions in the UK already running high ahead of next week’s historic Brexit vote, moments ago the Guardian reported that Jo Cox, the MP for Batley and Spen, was in critical condition after she was shot and stabbed in her West Yorkshire constituency. The Labour politician was injured in the attack and there is an ongoing police operation in the area, a witness told the Press Association. It is unclear who the assailant was or the motive.
Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen
Very concerned about reports Jo Cox has been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo and her family.
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) June 16, 2016
The following statement has been released from West Yorkshire Police:
“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.”
The Labour Party have released the following statement:
“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.”
Armed officers are reportedly on the scene in Birstall, near Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. West Yorkshire police said in a tweet: “We are aware of a serious incident ongoing in Birstall. Details will be released in the press in due course.”
The attack reportedly took place near the town’s library, where the MP holds advice surgeries. Yorkshire ambulance service said it was aware of an incident but had no further information. According to a Labour source, Cox was shot and stabbed after she had conducted her morning surgery for constituents.
Another person, who has not been identified, was also injured and both were taken to hospital, the source said. The attack was said to have taken place sometime after 1pm.
The whole incident lasted about 15 to 20 minutes according to witness Mr Abdallah, and another bystander told him Ms Cox had also been stabbed.
He added: “He was kicking her and he was pulling her by her hair. A very courageous man from the dry cleaners tried to restrain him and he couldn’t stop him because all of a sudden he pulled a gun. She was a standing still target for him when he shot her.”
Witness Clarke Rothwell told BBC News said there was an altercation between a man carrying a gun and Cox. He purposefully targeted her, said Rothwell, who runs the cafe next to the library where the incident took place.
“He shot this lady and then shot her again,” he said. “He lent down. Someone was wrestling with him and he was wielding a knife and lunging at her. Three times she was shot. People were trying to help her. Then he ran off down a one-way street. Me and my mate drove round to try and find him.”
Images have appeared of a man being tended to by police near the shooting of Jo Cox MP https://t.co/6vBAevSxy2
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 16, 2016
According to Sky News, which cites a witness: “All of a sudden this guy in the baseball cap pulled a gun. It looked like a gun from the First World War, or a handmade gun. He fired the first shot. I ran away, as everybody else did. All of a sudden we heard the second shot.”
More witness reports via Sky News:
Witness: “Her legs were in aid triangular way, like someone on a bed. She was leaning a bit on the left-hand side, with her hair at the back. Everybody was crying, the women. I’m absolutely shocked”
Witness: “All of a sudden we heard the second shot. Obviously, we remained in the restaurant for a couple of minutes. Then we decided to venture out and see what had happened. hen we went out and at first I didn’t recognise that it was Jo. A lady was on the floor, her face bleeding.
Witness: “She is still alive, I presume she’s still alive We believe she is still alive but her condition has been described as serious. She looked as though she was still breathing.”
Was Brexit a motive? Sky says that according to a witness report, the assailant shouted “Britain First“.
It appears the assailant may have been caught.
A 52-year-old man has been arrested after MP Jo Cox suffered serious injuries after being shot in Birstall, police said – PA
— Tom Pugh (@Tom_PughPA) June 16, 2016
More as we get in this developing story
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