Germany's City Leader Critically Injured in Knife Assault, Police Confirm
A recently appointed mayor in Germany's western region has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds near her home, 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 significant response is under way in the community. Investigators say every possibility is being checked, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.
The Chancellor censured what he called "a terrible crime", adding: "We fear for the life of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing."
The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked by the incident.
Officials confirm Stalzer's two adopted children - a daughter, 17, and a 15-year-old son - contacted emergency services to authorities at noon (11:00 British time).
The minors were later taken away for questioning and evidence collection. A reporter at the scene observed a teenager entering a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was recorded by the police, insiders revealed.
- Mayor stabbed near home
- Severe injuries reported
- Probe examines domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
