A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been stabbed and left critically injured close to her residence, authorities state.
The official, 57, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and became the mayor of Herdecke in the regional state in last month.
Local police report 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 terrible crime", stating: "We fear for the life of the mayor-elect, the victim, and wish for complete healing."
The party said its members were deeply shocked by the incident.
Authorities say her two children - a daughter, 17, and a teenage boy - contacted emergency services to authorities at midday local time (11:00 BST).
The minors were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A reporter at the scene observed a young person getting into a police patrol car.
This summer, there was an family conflict episode in the family, which was documented by authorities, security sources said.
- Public official attacked near home
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Probe focuses on family links
- Children made emergency call
