British police investigating the murder of MP Jo Cox said today they were focusing on alleged links to far-right groups and reports that her suspected attacker, who remains in custody, was mentally ill.
West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dee Collins said yesterday’s brutal attack on the 41-year-old as she went to meet constituents in northern England appeared to be "an isolated, but targeted attack on Jo".
A 52-year-old man, who has been named by British media as local Thomas Mair, was arrested shortly after Cox was shot and stabbed numerous times in the street.
Officers were seen searching his home not far from the scene of the attack, during which the alleged assailant reportedly shouted "Britain first" during the attack on the mother of two children aged three and five.
In a statement, Ms Collins said detectives involved in the murder investigation, which is being aided by counter-terrorism specialists, were "keeping an open mind".
"We are aware of the speculation within the media in respect of the suspect's link to mental health services and this is a clear line of enquiry which we are pursuing," she said.
"We are also aware of the inference within the media of the suspect being linked to right-wing extremism which is again a priority line of enquiry which will help us establish the motive for the attack on Jo."
She added: "Based on information available at this time, this appears to be an isolated, but targeted attack upon Jo - there is also no indication at this stage that anyone else was involved in the attack.
"However we will be investigating how the suspect came to be in possession of an unlawfully held firearm."
Eyewitnesses said that Ms Cox was shot two or three times before being stabbed as she lay on the pavement.
Police confirmed she was attacked with a firearm and a knife after driving up to the library in the village of Birstall for a scheduled meeting with constituents.
A 77-year-old man tried to help her and in turn sustained a "serious injury to his abdomen".
He is currently in a stable condition in hospital, Ms Collins said.
London's Metropolitan Police said earlier that Cox had made a complaint about "malicious communications" that resulted in a man being arrested and formally warned by police in March.
Ms Collins said this was one of two unrelated incidents involving "Jo receiving a malicious communication of a sexual nature at her parliamentary office in Westminster".
The second case remains unsolved.
Earlier today British Prime Minister David Cameron called for tolerance in public debate, near the spot where Labour MP Jo Cox was attacked yesterday, as it was announced that parliament would be recalled on Monday to pay tribute.
"Where we see hatred, where we find division, where we see intolerance we must drive it out of our politics and out of our public life and out of our communities," Mr Cameron said.
He was joined by opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.
"Today our nation is rightly shocked. It is a moment to stand back and think about some of the things that are so important about our country," Mr Cameron said.
The prime minister urged people to "value and see as precious the democracy we have on these islands", adding that Britain's peace, stability and economic well-being were "all underpinned by tolerance".
Mr Corbyn said that he had asked the speaker and Mr Cameron to recall parliament so that MPs could pay their respects to Ms Cox, who was elected for the first time last year.
He said: "Parliament will be recalled on Monday so that we can pay due tribute to her on behalf of everybody in this country who values democracy, values the right of free speech and values the right of political expression, free from the kind of brutality that Jo suffered".
Mr Bercow added: "Evil cannot be allowed and will not be allowed to triumph over good."
Jo Cox is remembered in Dublin
A vigil was held in Dublin city centre this evening to express solidarity with the family, friends and colleagues of Jo Cox.
The event took place at Custom House Quay.
Red roses were placed in a circle of candles while an Irish Prayer was read.
Organiser Dan O’ Neill thanked those who attended. Amongst them were Labour's Joan Burton and Joe Costello and representatives from SIPTU and Oxfam.
MPs to continue with clinics in wake of killing
British MPs held constituency clinics today in the wake of yesterday’s killing.
Labour and Conservative politicians have also been advised to talk to local police forces about the security measures they have in place for meetings with the public.
Emails from the whips offices of both parties were sent out in the hours after the Labour MP was killed.
Dan Jarvis, Labour MP for Barnsley Central, said: "I know MPs are scared. We'll be reviewing our security, but I'll walk through Barnsley today like every Friday."
His colleague, Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, said: "I plan to keep to all my engagements today, including my surgery. I will ensure there is security present however."
Scottish National Party MP Joanna Cherry said she would be holding a two-hour constituency surgery.
Holly Lynch, Labour MP for Halifax, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I will never be able to forget what has happened to Jo and, as we've all said, it's incredibly, incredibly sad.
"I think you do have to bear in mind the safety of your staff at all times as well, who are quite often with you when you're meeting members of the public, and so you cannot avoid taking these risks and concerns very, very seriously but to not let it stop you from being the effective MP that your constituents deserve."
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has said it will not contest the by-election in Batley and Spen resulting from Ms Cox's death.The constituency has been held by Labour since 1997.
Campaigning suspended as mark of respect
Ms Cox's husband, Brendan Cox, has called for unity against the hatred that killed her.
Campaigning in the referendum on the future of the UK's membership of the European Union has been suspended as a mark of respect.
Last night friends and colleagues of Ms Cox came together at a number of events in her memory.
Divisions have been put to one side as the political world mourns the loss of the young wife and mother.
Book of condolences in Dáil Éireann
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed the sympathy of the people of Ireland with Ms Cox's family.
He was speaking at a gathering of the Irish community in Manchester where he is taking part in a two-day visit.
A book of condolences has also opened in Dáil Éireann.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said the attack is "a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in public life".
