British MP Jo Cox shot, stabbed; critically injured

A 41-year-old British woman MP from the opposition Labour Party was shot on Thursday and stabbed in her constituency in northern England and was said to be in a critical condition.

Jo Cox, a mother of two, was left bleeding on the pavement after the incident in Birstall in West Yorkshire, media reports said. A 52-year-old man has been injured in the incident.

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement, "At 12.53 today, police were called to a report of an incident on Market Street, Birstall, where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition."

"A man in his late 40s to early 50s nearby also suffered slight injuries. Armed officers attended and a 52-year-old man was arrested in the area," the statement said.

"Police presence in the area has been increased as a reassurance to the community," it said.