A newly-elected mayor in western Germany has been stabbed and suffered severe wounds near her home, authorities state.
Iris Stalzer, 57, is a member of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in September.
Local police say a major operation is in progress in the community. Officials indicate all avenues are being explored, but they are considering a family connection.
The Chancellor censured what he described as "a terrible crime", adding: "We are concerned about the survival of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD expressed its members were profoundly stunned by the incident.
Authorities say her two children - a 17-year-old girl, and a teenage boy - made an emergency call to police at midday local time (11:00 British time).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and forensic investigation. A reporter at the scene observed a young person getting into a police patrol car.
During the summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the household, which was documented by authorities, insiders said.
- Mayor stabbed at residence
- Severe injuries reported
- Police investigation focuses on family links
- Minors made emergency call
