Germany's Mayor Seriously Wounded in Stabbing Attack, Authorities Report
A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been stabbed and left critically injured near her home, police say.
The official, 57 years old, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in last month.
Area law enforcement report a major operation is in progress in the small town. Officials indicate all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
The Chancellor condemned what he described as "a terrible crime", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked by the incident.
Officials say Stalzer's two adopted children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to police at noon (11:00 British time).
The minors were subsequently removed for questioning and evidence collection. A journalist present observed a teenager getting into a law enforcement vehicle.
During the summer, there was an family conflict episode in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders revealed.
- Mayor attacked at residence
- Critical condition reported
- Police investigation focuses on family links
- Children made emergency call
