Politicians across Hertfordshire have paid tribute to MP Jo Cox who was murdered in a horrifying attack yesterday.

The Labour MP and mother-of-two died after being shot and stabbed in the street outside her constituency advice surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Watford MP Richard Harrington said Mrs Cox had made "a real mark on Parliament in a short amount of time”.

Speaking to the Observer, the Conservative minister for Syrian refugees said: “I knew Jo from her advocacy for Syrian Refugees and for the plight of people inside Syria, and those in danger across the world.

"Working as I do on these issues in my ministerial job, I hugely respected her thoughtful contributions and I know she had so much more to say and do.

"She made a real mark on Parliament in a short amount of time. My thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed just before 1pm yesterday in her Batley and Spen constituency.

She was pronounced dead around an hour later, leaving her husband Brendan and two young children, aged three and five.

West Yorkshire Police have arrested a 52-year-old man, named locally as Thomas Mair.

MPs from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to the newly elected MP, with many describing her as an admired and respected presence in Westminster.

Mike Penning MP siad: “I think like anyone we’re unbelievably shocked by what happened to Jo.

“I was with her only last week at the House of Commons Tug of War. And to think she was there, so vibrant and energetic and so passionate about charity.

“To know she was stolen from us, from her family and from her constituency in this way is the most devastating thing I’ve ever experienced during my time in parliament.”

The Labour group in Watford last night cancelled a meeting after hearing the news. For more, click here. 

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family - and indeed the whole country - will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.

"Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year.

"Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all."

When asked about the safety of MPs, Mr Harrington added: “This was a random act of nonsensical violence.

"Simply being a public figure there are more risks and as today showed it would be hard to stop a very determined attacker.

“It’s an important part of our democracy that MPs are accessible. It is how we remain accountable to our constituents.

"But we should take sensible precautions.”

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden said: "My thoughts and prayers are today with Jo Cox's family.

"She was a true public servant and will be greatly missed by colleagues from across the House of Commons."