In brief
Iris Stalzer, a member of Germany's Social Democratic party, was stabbed near her home in Herdecke just weeks after taking office. Her two adopted children have been questioned by police following the attack. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the act as heinous, and local authorities are exploring all potential motives, including possible family ties.
A 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.
