A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and left critically injured near her home, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and became the mayor of the municipality in the North-Rhine Westphalia state in September.
Area law enforcement say a significant response is in progress in the community. Investigators indicate 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 mayor-elect, the victim, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD expressed its party members were profoundly stunned by the attack.
Officials say her two children - a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old son - made an emergency call to police at noon (11:00 BST).
The children were subsequently removed for questioning and evidence collection. A journalist present witnessed a teenager entering a police patrol car.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders said.
- Mayor stabbed at residence
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Probe focuses on family links
- Children alerted authorities
