MPs from across Kent have paid tribute after a colleague was shot at and stabbed during a constituency surgery.

The county's members of parliament have spoken of their shock and sorrow after Jo Cox was attacked earlier today.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke tweeted: "Horrific to hear that Jo Cox has died. Thoughts with her family and her two young children. Jo will be greatly missed by all."

Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, said: "Our hearts go out to Jo Cox's young family at this terrible time. Rest in peace."

Meanwhile Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch described the MP's death as "shocking & devastating news".

The sports minister said she would be "much missed across Parliament.

"My thoughts & prayers are with her family."

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst said she was "absolutely devastated by the news about Jo Cox MP - a lovely person dedicated to her community.

"My thoughts and heart are with her poor family."

Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, said his heart went out to the family and friends of Jo Cox, a "mother, wife and universally respected colleague. RIP"

Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling, said: "I am deeply saddened. This is awful news. Pray for Jo and her family."

Minister and Ashford MP Damian Green described the colleague's death as horrible news, followed by "no words".

Rehman Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham, said: "Just heard about the absolutely shocking and horrific news about the attack on Jo Cox MP."

South Thanet backbencher Craig Mackinlay tweeted: "The most dreadful news that the fight to save MP Jo Cox has been lost.

"She was highly respected and a huge loss to all. Thoughts with family."

The University of Kent had already cancelled a debate on the European Union tonight after the MP was shot at and stabbed.

It was due to take place at the Coyler-Fergusson hall at the Canterbury campus with a panel of two MPs and three MEPs.

But the fatal attack on Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox in her West Yorkshire constituency has prompted the university to cancel the event.

One of the panel, Ashford MP Damian Green tweeted before the tragic announcement of her death: "Terrible news about Jo Cox. Prayers with her and her family. It's right to suspend campaign activity. Apols to University of Kent tonight."

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier, who was also due at tonight's debate, told KentOnline: "My thoughts and prayers are with Jo and her family.

"This is a terrible thing to happen. which I deplore.

"She was just doing her job.

"In the circumstances, it is right to now cancel the debate."

The panel was also due to include MEP Daniel Hannan, MEP Jean Lambert, MEP Tom Vandenkendelaere and Vice-President of the Kent Union Rory Murray.

The University of Kent has confirmed that the event has been cancelled.

Policy adviser at the university David Powell said: "This evening's Big Canterbury debate on the EU referendum to have been held on the Canterbury campus, has been cancelled.

"Both Leave and Remain have suspended their campaigns as a result of the horrific attack on Jo Cox MP earlier today."

Another planned event ahead of the referendum has also been cancelled.

Boris Johnson was due to head to Kent tomorrow as part of the Vote Leave campaign.

The former Mayor of London was due to be accompanied by Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative minister, and Penny Mordaunt MP in Ramsgate, Sandwich and Canterbury.