Jo Cox MP killed: Wolverhampton's Emma Reynolds speaks of tears for her murdered friend

The 41-year-old mother-of-two was shot and stabbed to death outside her advice surgery in her Yorkshire constituency yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses said Mrs Cox was assaulted and shot two to three times, including once in the head area, after initially being kicked to the ground in Market Street, Birstall. A 52-year-old man, named locally as Tommy Mair, was arrested in connection with the attack after armed police were deployed to the scene.

West Yorkshire Police said it had retrieved a firearm and was not looking for anybody else in connection with the murder.

The force said it could not discuss any possible motive.

The murder shocked Westminster and led to the suspension of campaigning in the EU referendum.

Today, city MPs announced that there would be a vigil in Wolverhampton in St Peter's Square from 7pm.

A tearful Emma Reynolds, Wolverhampton North East Labour MP and close friend of Jo's for 10 years, said: "I am absolutely devastated. I first met Jo a decade ago when we were working in Brussels and got to know her very well, particularly since she was elected to Parliament last year.

"She made a massive impact in that short time and has been determined to make a real difference, particularly regarding the ongoing civil war in Syria.

"I regard her as a friend, not just a colleague. She was such a lovely person. It is only right that both sides of the EU debate have suspended their campaigns."

She added: "She was a bright star in Parliament. Always smiling. So much to give. Thoughts with her family."

Meanwhile, a debate on Britain's membership of the European Union has been cancelled out of respect.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin was due to host the event in Sedgley tonight, which was set to feature fellow Labour MP Pat McFadden and Conservative MP Mike Wood.

Mr Austin said: "Whilst this wasn't a party political event or a campaign rally, it feels we can't go ahead under these tragic circumstances."

Tom Watson, West Bromwich East MP and deputy leader of the Labour party, said: "It is hard to comprehend how a compassionate, principled and beautiful person can be taken away from us so cruelly. It's even more devastating because she was doing what she did best – serving her constituents."

Walsall North Labour MP David Winnick tweeted: "Horrified over what has happened to Jo. A young, dedicated member of parliament, who has already made a noted contribution in the Commons. This was a contemptible attack on an elected public servant carrying out her duties." Wolverhampton South East Labour MP Pat McFadden also tweeted: "So so sad to hear this terrible news. Can only send love to Jo's husband Brendan and two small children."

Stourbridge Conservative MP Margot James said: "I am so terribly sorry that Jo Cox has died. Assassinated by a mindless thug serving her constituents, it's so awful. Those poor children."

Cannock Conservative MP Amanda Milling added: "Utterly devastating news that Jo Cox has died. My thoughts and prayers are with her family." Stafford Conservative MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "My thoughts and prayers very much with Jo Cox MP's family; she was a fine MP."

And South Staffordshire Conservative MP Gavin Williamson said: "Deeply shocked to hear the terrible news about Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this awful time."

A 77-year-old man was also injured in the attack.

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."

Home Secretary Theresa May said it was a 'dreadful event' adding that Westminster had lost one of its 'brightest and most popular' MPs. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity." Temporary Chief Constable for West Yorkshire Dee Collins said: "At 1.48pm Jo Cox was pronounced deceased by a doctor who was working with a paramedic crew that were attending to her serious injuries.

"A full investigation is under way to establish the motive for this attack."

Additional police officers have been drafted on to the streets of Birstall to reassure the community.

Mrs Cox's husband Brendan, a former advisor to ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said: "Hate doesn't have a creed, race or religion, it is poisonous. Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full."

A number of high-profile EU referendum campaign events have been cancelled in respect to the Batley and Spen MP.