A recently appointed municipal leader in western Germany has been stabbed and suffered severe wounds close to her residence, police say.
The official, 57, is a member of the centre-left Social Democratic party (SPD) and became the mayor of Herdecke in the regional state in September.
Area law enforcement say a significant response is in progress in the community. Officials indicate all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a domestic link.
The Chancellor censured what he described as "a terrible crime", stating: "We fear for the life of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery."
The party said its party members were profoundly stunned by the attack.
Authorities confirm her two children - a daughter, 17, and a 15-year-old son - contacted emergency services to authorities at noon (11:00 BST).
The children were subsequently removed for interviewing and evidence collection. A reporter at the scene observed a young person 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, security sources said.
- Public official stabbed at residence
- Severe injuries confirmed
- Police investigation focuses on domestic angles
- Minors alerted authorities
