ReutersA 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.
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