A newly-elected mayor in Germany's western region has been attacked with a knife and left critically injured close to her residence, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of the municipality in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in September.
Local police report a significant response is under way in the small town. Officials indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz censured what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked by the incident.
Officials confirm her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to authorities at noon (11:00 British time).
The children were later taken away for interviewing and forensic investigation. A reporter at the scene witnessed a young person entering a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the family, which was recorded by the police, insiders said.
- Mayor stabbed near home
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Police investigation focuses on family links
- Minors alerted authorities
