A recently appointed municipal leader in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and left critically injured close to her residence, police say.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and became the mayor of Herdecke in the regional state in last month.
Area law enforcement report a significant response is in progress in the community. Investigators indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are considering a domestic link.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he described as "a heinous act", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, the victim, and wish for complete healing."
The SPD said its party members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities confirm her two children - a 17-year-old girl, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to police at noon (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A journalist present witnessed a teenager entering a police patrol car.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, security sources revealed.
- Public official attacked at residence
- Severe injuries reported
- Probe focuses on family links
- Children made emergency call
