Haringey’s MPs are “heartbroken” after the murder of Jo Cox on Thursday.

The 41 year-old Labour MP was shot and stabbed outside Birstall Library, where she was due to hold her regular constituency surgery.

David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, who has previously worked with Mrs Cox’s husband, spoke of his numbness after hearing of her murder.

Mr Lammy said: “I am absolutely heartbroken by the loss of my colleague Jo Cox. I feel totally numb at her senseless murder and at this time all my thoughts and prayers are with her husband Brendan and her two young children as they come to terms with this tragedy.

“Brendan worked tirelessly on my by-election campaign back in 2000 when he was chair of Labour Students and the thought of him raising their two beautiful children alone overwhelms me with sadness.

“Jo was universally respected and admired as a dedicated champion of equality, social justice and human rights. She not only fought passionately for her constituency, but she used her position to speak up for the voiceless around the world.

“Jo will be remembered as a truly exceptional woman who dedicated her life to helping others with unwavering compassion. Her life is an example to us all.”

Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said Mrs Cox was a great woman and colleague.

"I am heartbroken," she said. 

"We have lost a fierce campaigner for international development; a champion of refugees; a fantastic constituency MP and a woman of kindness, of optimism and of compassion.

"The tragic events of last Thursday, and indeed of the last week have made us shed many tears, but we must remember that at such times of tragedy the words from Jo Cox’s iconic maiden speech: “We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us”. 

"My thoughts, love and prayers are with Jo’s family and loved ones at this most difficult time." 

Thomas Mair, 52, appeared in Westminster magistrates’ court on Saturday charged with Mrs Cox’s murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of an offensive weapon.

He did not enter a plea and is due to appear at the Old Bailey for a bail application hearing today.