Sheffield MPs pay tribute to '˜cheerful, kind' murdered Yorkshire MP Jo Cox

The 41-year-old mum of two was shot and stabbed outside a library where she had been holding an advice surgery in Birstall.

One eyewitness said the MP was left lying in a pool of blood on the pavement after her assailant shot her twice after first assaulting her .

She later died in hospital.

Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg said: “Jo Cox was unusually free of the tribal pettiness of politics - always friendly, cheerful and kind to friend and foe alike.

“My heart goes out to her family. A lovely person’s life has been snuffed out by hate.”

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, who had previously described Jo as a ‘lion’, said: “I can’t write anything that isn’t crass.

“Look at Jo Cox’s legacy to see what a remarkable woman she was. All my love to her family and friends.”

Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP Gill Furniss said: “A brutal, tragic loss for us all, and more importantly to her family. Rest in peace, Jo.”

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, and police are not looking for any other suspects.

Westminster’s flag flew at half mast last night and politicians suspended campaigning as a mark of respect.