'˜Democracy has taken a blow' says Hampshire's police and crime commissioner

Michael Lane was paying tribute after the Labour MP tragically died after she was shot and stabbed yesterday.

Mr Lane said she was in his prayers and we should all know work to remove ‘hate from our hearts’.

In video posted on YouTube Mr Lane said: ‘Yesterday we lost a vibrant active community-minded leader with a common touch.

‘I only knew Jo cox from her profile as an MP and from watching her in the house and in the media and being won over by her energy and engaging personality.

‘It was clear that she had something special as a public figure and an MP, and that being elected was but one more step in the journey she had taken in the lifetime of service and support to her community and more broadly

‘We’re hearing of the personal issues of the love that she and her family shared, and hearing brave remarks from her husband Brendan and the care and concern we should all have for her family.

‘She and her family are very much in my prayers.

‘Today also democracy must recognise it has taken a blow.

‘Jo’s husband Brendan has bravely and powerfully encouraged us all to stand tall in the face of this tragedy and remove this hate from our hearts, to be driven by Jo’s example of service and engagement about issues and to make this a legacy for her and for all of us in sustaining a better future for her children and all our children.’

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack, police said yesterday.