Mourners fill Jo Cox’s local church to stage heartfelt vigil for tragic Labour MP
HUNDREDS of mourners filled Jo Cox's local church to pay tribute to the tragic MP who was gunned down and stabbed to death.
Tributes are pouring in for tragic MP Jo Cox who was shot and stabbed to death
A “moving” service was held at St Peter’s Parish Church, Birstall, just yards from where the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, West Yorkshire, was killed.
Mrs Cox was reportedly dragged to the ground by her hair and shot at point blank range by a man armed with an antique pistol.
The mum-of-two was shot three times and stabbed repeatedly as she left her constituency surgery at 12.50pm yesterday.
Police have arrested the suspect – who has been named locally as Thomas Mair, 52.
Mourners packed into Jo Cox's local church to pay tribute to the Labour MP
The Labour MP and mum-of-two was shot and stabbed in her Yorkshire constituency
The church was packed. It was very, very moving
One mourner who attended the heart-wrenching vigil said: “The church was packed. It was very, very moving. We’ve lost a very talented MP.
“I couldn’t not come today. Not a lot was said.
“People were asked to bow their heads and remember her.
“She’s a big loss to the community. She respected values.
“Whether you were Asian or white she was there for you.”
Touching notes and flowers have been left in memory of Jo Cox
A Facebook post by the church read: “A prayer vigil is to be held at 8pm for Jo Cox MP and her family at St Peter’s Church, Birstall.
“Prayers for her and her family and all affected by her tragic death.
“May she rest in peace.”
Friends gathered at Mrs Cox’s London-moored houseboat to pay their respects by laying flowers, lighting candles and leaving notes - one of which described her as “a beacon of hope who believed in love”.
Another described the incident as “the saddest day of this close community” and added they had “lost a dear, dear friend in the most tragic and outrageous circumstances”.
Among the mourners was Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his deputy Tom Watson.
Corbyn described Cox as “an exemplary MP and a real servant to democracy in every way”.
Jo Cox's London houseboat where mourners have been going to pay their respects
He said: “What's happened is beyond appalling.
“We're here tonight in silent memory of her loss and we express obviously condolences to her family.”
David Cameron also paid tribute, calling the killing a "tragedy”.
The Prime Minister added: "We have lost a great star.”