In brief
Iris Stalzer, the 57-year-old mayor of Herdecke, has been hospitalized following a stabbing attack. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) expressed deep shock over the incident, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemning it as a 'heinous act.' Investigators are examining all leads, including possible family ties to the crime as Stalzer’s children called for help. This attack raises concerns about political safety and domestic violence in Germany.
A newly-elected mayor in western Germany has been stabbed and left critically injured near her home, police say.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and became the mayor of Herdecke in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in September.
Local police say a major operation is under way in the small town. Investigators say all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned what he called 'a heinous act', adding: 'We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery.'
The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked by the attack.
Officials say Stalzer's two adopted children - a daughter, 17, and a 15-year-old son - made an emergency call to authorities at midday local time (11:00 BST).
The children were later taken away for questioning and forensic investigation. A reporter at the scene observed a teenager getting into a police patrol car.
This summer there was an incident of domestic violence in the family, which was recorded by the police, security sources said.
