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A hero pensioner was stabbed in the liver – the blow narrowly missing his heart – as he tried to save Jo Cox.

Bernard Kenny, 77, was meeting his wife, parked outside the library, when he saw the MP being attacked.

He immediately ran to her aid, risking his own life to tackle the maniac gunman.

But as Jo lay bleeding to death, Mr Kenny was set upon, bundled to the ground and stabbed in the stomach as he tried to defend her.

He was later rushed to the same hospital as Jo, where he is said to be stable, although there are concerns about his condition due to his age.

His wife Doreen has been at his bedside in Leeds General Infirmary.

Read more:Jo Cox updates

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Tony Robinson, 40, who lives close to the Kennys in Birstall, said: “He deserves a medal for what he did.

“It does not surprise me that when people were running one way, he was going the other way to help. That is typical of him, he is old school.”

He added: “You do not hear so much about the good people these days – only the bad people.

“It is awful what happened, but what a great guy for trying to help in that situation. He should be recognised for what he did.”

Bernard has been commended for his bravery in the past.

In 1973, he was part of the Gomersal Mines Rescue team which tried to save victims of the Lofthouse mining disaster.

(Image: ITV News)

Seven men lost their lives after gallons of water flooded the seam.

In an interview to mark the 30th anniversary of the disaster, Mr Kenny recalled: “The conditions we had to work in were rough. We never gave up. We went on with it. It was your duty to try and help them and it was sad when it had to be called off.”

Mr Kenny’s neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I’m not surprised if Bernard’s stepped in. He’s a very fit guy, he swims every day.

“Hopefully he’ll be home soon.”