Germany's City Leader Seriously Wounded in Stabbing Attack, Police Confirm
A recently appointed mayor in western Germany has been stabbed and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, police say.
The official, 57, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in September.
Area law enforcement report a major operation is under way in the small town. Investigators indicate all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.
The Chancellor condemned what he called "a heinous act", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, the victim, and wish for complete healing."
The party said its members were profoundly stunned by the attack.
Officials say her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to police at noon (11:00 BST).
The children were subsequently removed for questioning and forensic investigation. A reporter at the scene witnessed a young person getting into a police patrol car.
During the summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was recorded by the police, insiders revealed.
- Mayor attacked at residence
- Critical condition confirmed
- Police investigation focuses on domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
