Cumbrian MPs have joined the nation in expressing their grief at the killing of MP Jo Cox.

The 41-year-old mother of two was attacked by a man reportedly shouting "Britain first" at lunchtime in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Temporary chief constable for West Yorkshire Dee Collins told a news conference: "I am now very sad to have to report that she has died as a result of her injuries."

Her husband, Brendan, has issued an emotional tribute to a woman who "believed in a better world".

He said: "Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love.

"I and Jo’s friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo."

Mr Cox then issued a plea for the world not to divide in the wake of her death.

"She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now," he continued. "One that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her.

"Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous."

The alleged gunman, who also stabbed his victim, has been named as Tommy Mair, 52, who neighbours in Birstall have described as "a loner".

Paying tribute this afternoon was fellow Labour MP Jamie Reed paid his tribute on Twitter.

The Copeland minister wrote: "One of our best, brightest most beautiful MPs, who made an enormous contribution in helping the dispossessed at home and abroad."

He later tweeted: "There's a tidal wave of hatred sweeping across our country. A disunited kingdom, unrecognisable from only a few years ago."

Leader of the Liberal Democrats and South Lakeland MP Tim Farron said: “I am utterly heartbroken. This is a devastating attack on our peaceful society. An attack on an elected representative is an attack on everyone.

“She was outstanding representative who stood up for her community diligently. She also stood up for the desperate and those in need – I am proud of the stance she took raising the plight of refugees.

“Her compassion for the voiceless and dispossessed absolutely shone through to me. She was a star of the 2015 intake and was inspiring to listen to."

Mr Farron continued: “A young family has lost a mum and a wife, a community has lost a great MP and Parliament has lost an authentic and passionate voice.

“It seems the vile politics of hate has gone from the darkened corners of the internet to violence on our streets. Our country is poorer for this mindless slaughter.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and with all her colleagues in the Labour movement and throughout her community. We stand with you.”

John Woodcock had just one word: "Devastating".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the country would be "in shock at the horrific murder" of the MP, who was a "much loved colleague".

Prime Minister David Cameron 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."

He added: "We've lost a great star."

Oli Coulson, from Cumbria Vote Leave, posted on Twitter: "RIP Jo Cox MP, a strong voice for her constituents. She will be remembered. Deeply saddened."

EU campaigners have suspended their campaigning following the news of the attack on Mrs Cox.

Vote leave campaigners in Cumbria have also ruled out tomorrow as a mark of respect to the MP.

Leader of Cumbria's Vote Leave camp John Stanyer expressed his condolences for the MP's family.

"I just can't believe it. It's just terrible," said Mr Stanyer.

He told the News & Star they decided to cancel street stalls and campaigning events in Wigton and Brampton.

He said they will, however, attend third party events - including a Radio Cumbria debate - they've been invited to unless they are also cancelled.

"Some things are more important than the EU referendum. For somebody to lose a life like that it's just terrible. It's the honourable thing to do," he said.

"We we're all terribly shocked and saddened by this news and the time [of the shooting] and it's been multiplied since her death."

He added: "It musn't be allowed to stop our democracy working, otherwise anarchy rules but at the same time it's only the honourable thing to do, to stop campaigning."

Vote Leave will attempt to reschedule the cancelled events.

Mrs Cox was elected to the seat of Batley and Spen at the last general election in 2015 and had a growing reputation.

She was a Remain supporter in the referendum.