Germany's Mayor Seriously Wounded in Stabbing Attack, Police Confirm
A recently appointed mayor in Germany's western region has been stabbed and left critically injured near her home, police say.
Iris Stalzer, 57 years old, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in September.
Area law enforcement report a significant response is under way in the small town. Officials say all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a family connection.
The Chancellor condemned what he described as "a terrible crime", stating: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The party said its members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities say Stalzer's two adopted children - a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old son - made an emergency call to authorities at midday local time (11:00 BST).
The minors were later taken away for interviewing and forensic investigation. A journalist present observed a young person getting into a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an family conflict episode in the family, which was recorded by the police, insiders said.
- Mayor stabbed near home
- Severe injuries reported
- Police investigation focuses on domestic angles
- Minors made emergency call
