LABOUR MP Jo Cox has died following a street attack in which she was shot and stabbed.

The politician, who represented the Batley and Spen consitutuency in West Yorkshire, died on the scene shortly after being shot and stabbed in Birstall following a constituency surgery this afternoon.

Witnesses reported a man shot the 41-year-old with what appeared to be a handmade weapon a number of times, while allegedly shouting "Britain First."

Two men are also believed to have been injured in the attack.

East of England MEP Richard Howitt, who represented South Essex for Labour between 1994 and 1999, said Mrs Cox "believed in a better world" when he knew her at the European Parliament.

He said: "She worked for Glenys Kinnock, when she was an MEP, when I first started there. She was someone who was young and committed to international development, which is what Glenys worked on.

"She later went on to work for an international development agency, so she believed in a better world. She was a young and upcoming star and it's a tragedy foremost for her family, but also the Labour Party and the country.

"We all hold surgeries and this could happen to any one of us."

Ian Gilbert Labour leader for Southend said he hopes this does not impact on the up and coming referendum.

He added: "We must continue with democracy and with our voting. 

"We are all in a state of shock."

Gavin Callaghan Basildon Labour leader said he knew Mrs Cox as he had met her during Labour campaigns.

He added: "This is just devastating news.

"She was so devoted to public service and helping people."

Echo readers have paid their tributes to Mrs Cox on Facebook.

Nicky Copeland said: "This is disgusting. Such awful news. Thoughts with her loved ones."

Stephanie Mone said: "So so sad, a young woman with two young children. Absolutely horrific. There are no words."

Josette Kenney said: "So sad, her poor baby girls are too young to lose their mum."