A newly-elected municipal leader in western Germany has been attacked with a knife and suffered severe wounds near her home, police say.
The official, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and assumed the mayoral role of the municipality in the regional state in last month.
Local police say a major operation is in progress in the community. Investigators indicate every possibility is being checked, but they are considering a family connection.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned what he called "a heinous act", adding: "We fear for the life of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked 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 later taken away for interviewing and forensic investigation. A journalist present observed a teenager entering a law enforcement vehicle.
This summer, there was an incident of domestic violence in the family, which was recorded by the police, insiders said.
- Mayor attacked near home
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Probe focuses on domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
