Tonight’s UKIP meeting in Holland-on-Sea has been cancelled “as a mark of respect” to slain Labour MP Jo Cox.

MEPs Stuart Agnew and Patrick O’Flynn were due to attend an open public meeting at 7pm at The Tavern on Frinton Road.

However, Clacton UKIP joined both the national Vote Leave and Remain campaigns to suspend their activities for the day.

This follows the tragic shooting and stabbing of Mrs Cox earlier today in Birstall, Leeds, whose death has just been announced.

A 52 year-old man has been arrested for the killing of the 41-year-old mother-of-two, who was left lying in blood on the pavement.

Mr Agnew said he had spoken to Patrick O’Flynn MEP, a former political editor of the Daily Express newspaper and Colchester businessman John Pitts advising them not to come.

The MEP called the attack on Mrs Cox as a terrible tragedy and damaging for our democracy.

He said he would still go to the Tavern to turn people away, as it is likely many people might not know of the attack on the Batley and Spen MP.

Mr Agnew has been in Clacton all day, with an earlier appearance this afternoon for the showing of Brexit The Movie.

The North West Norfolk-based MEP, UKIP’s agricultural spokesman, said he may be able to return to Clacton before Referendum Day next day, but as yet it was too soon to say.

Campaigning is set to resume tomorrow.