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.
