German City Leader Seriously Wounded in Knife Assault, Police Confirm

A recently appointed mayor in Germany's western region has been stabbed and left critically injured close to her residence, authorities state.

Iris Stalzer, 57, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in last month.

Local police say a major operation is in progress in the small town. Officials say all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.

The Chancellor censured what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We are concerned about the survival of the mayor-elect, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."

The party said its party members were profoundly stunned by the incident.

Authorities confirm Stalzer's two adopted 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 reporter at the scene observed a teenager getting into a law enforcement vehicle.

During the summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was recorded by the police, insiders said.

• Public official stabbed at residence
• Critical condition confirmed
• Police investigation focuses on family links
• Minors made emergency call