Batley MP dies after being shot and stabbed in Birstall street attack

An inquest into the death of Labour MP Jo Cox has heard the 41-year-old mother of two died from multiple stab and gunshot wounds.

Mrs Cox was attacked outside her constituency surgery in Birstall just over a week ago.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police, told a brief hearing at Bradford Coroners Court it was immediately clear to paramedics and police that the Batley and Spen MP was "very seriously injured indeed".

Mr Wallen said medics worked to save her life but Mrs Cox was pronounced dead by a doctor in an ambulance outside Birstall library on June 16th. She did not go to hospital.

The detective confirmed that a post-mortem examination had shown a preliminary cause of death as "multiple stab and gunshot wounds". He said lawyers for Thomas Mair, the man charged with murdering Mrs Cox did not require a second post-mortem examination.

Coroner Martin Fleming said this meant he could release Mrs Cox's body "so the family can get on with the grieving process". The six-minute inquest hearing was adjourned until the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

The diverse community in Jo Cox's West Yorkshire constituency came together at a local mosque tonight to share in their grief.

People from all faiths, of all ages, young and old, attended the event to celebrate her life.

Shiulie Ghosh reports:

President Obama spoke by phone to Brendan Cox, the husband of MP Jo Cox who was killed in a street attack on Thursday, it has been revealed.

The White House said Mr Obama offered his 'sincere condolences' on behalf of the American people in the phone call from Air Force One on Friday.

"The president noted that the world is a better place because of her selfless service to others, and that there can be no justification for this heinous crime, which robbed a family, a community, and a nation of a dedicated wife, mother and public servant," a White House statement said.

A hush fell over Westminster this evening as a two-minute silence was held at Parliament Square for murdered Labour MP Jo Cox as Big Ben struck 8pm.

After the silence Labour's Ilford North MP Wes Streeting paid tribute to the friend and colleague who he had been elected alongside in 2015.

He said: "The last 24 hours have felt as though we are drowning in tears for our friend Jo, we've suffered such a terrible loss.

"Only on Tuesday night we were together on Jo's boat, her now infamous boat down the Thames, we were laughing and crying and sharing stories of our year in politics together and that was Jo - she was someone who brought people together always."

Adding that she was "always the life and soul of the party" he said that "over the course of the last year she has made her mark more than many politicians make in the course of their lifetime", waking up everyday "thinking what can I do today to change the world".

People are queuing up outside Batley Town Hall to sign a book of condolence for Jo Cox.

• MORE: Fundraising page set up to raise money for Jo Cox charities

The Liberal Democrats have confirmed they will not contest the by-election sparked by the death of Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox "as a mark of respect".

It comes after the Conservatives revealed they would not contest the seat held by Ms Cox, who died after being shot and stabbed in an attack in her constituency.

Party president Sal Brinton said: "[Party leader] Tim Farron, myself and the whole Liberal Democrat Party pass our sincere condolences to [her husband ]Brendan, their family and the wider Labour movement. Hate and fear will never win.

"An outstanding champion for the vulnerable and the dispossessed, who represented her community brilliantly, was taken from us all."