A newly-elected mayor in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in last month.
Local police report a significant response is in progress in the small town. Officials say every possibility is being checked, but they are considering a domestic link.
The Chancellor condemned what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We fear for the life of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD expressed its party members were deeply shocked by the attack.
Officials confirm Stalzer's two adopted children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to police at noon (11:00 British time).
The minors were subsequently removed for questioning and forensic investigation. A journalist present witnessed a teenager getting into a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders revealed.
- Mayor stabbed near home
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Police investigation examines domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
