Germany: Town mayor critically injured in stabbing

The newly-elected mayor of the western German town of Herdecke has been found with multiple stab wounds at her home. Police say Iris Stalzer is in life-threatening condition as investigators examine the scene.

Iris Stalzer, the recently elected mayor of Herdecke in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, was discovered critically injured in her apartment, authorities said on Tuesday.

Security sources told reporters the center-left Social Democrat politician had suffered several stab wounds.

What do we know about the attack on mayor-elect Stalzer?
The center-left Social Democrat (SPD) politician was reportedly attacked in front of her residence around midday and managed to drag herself inside before collapsing.

According to the Bild newspaper, Stalzer was found seriously injured in her apartment by her son. She allegedly told him that she had been attacked by several men on the street, the paper reported.

Public broadcaster WDR first reported the incident. Emergency services found Stalzer alive but in life-threatening condition. She was flown to the hospital in a rescue helicopter.

A WDR reporter reported from the scene that a teenager was led out of the house in handcuffs by the police and taken away.

Investigators are continuing to secure evidence at the scene while Stalzer receives intensive medical treatment.