A mayor has been left fighting for her life after ‘being stabbing 13 times’ in a horror attack by ‘multiple men’.
According to reports, newly elected Iris Stalzer was found seriously injured by her son in her apartment in Herdecke-Herrentisch, Germany.
The 57-year-old was discovered at her home with multiple knife wounds to her stomach and back. Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of country, and treated the elected official for her “serious” injuries.
Where the attack took place
Iris Stalzer has been stabbed in Herdecke, in northwestern Germany. She was attacked in the town where she was elected mayor just 10 days ago.
Police launch manhunt for attackers
German police have launched a manhunt to search for the politician’s attackers.
It is claimed “several men” stabbed her “13 times” – and they are remain on the run.
The mayor of Herdecke reportedly told the authorities she had been attacked by “several men on the street” in front of her house.
Local police have issued an appeal for information on the incident. A homicide police squad has taken over the case and are “hunting” suspects but she is understood to still be alive.
AP)
‘Stabbed 13 times by several men’
Several men knifed the newly-elected German mayor more than a dozen times in the chest and abdomen, it is reported.
She is understood to have been stabbed near her home before dragging herself back into the house, German outlet Welt claim.
A homicide squad is expected to take over the police’s investigation shortly.
She remains in a critical condition in hospital.
Pictures from the scene
A new photo has emerged of Mrs Stalzer being airlifted to hospital.
Emegency crews can be seen be seen helping the politican onto the rescue helicopter in Herdecke.
They shield the 57-year-old before she is flown to hospital.
She was found in her apartment by her son with multiple knife wounds to her stomach and back.
AP)
German Chancellor: an ‘abominable act’
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for swift clarification following the attack.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “We have received a message about an abominable act from Herdecke. It must now be swiftly clarified.
“We are anxious about the life of the designated mayor Iris Stalzer and hope for her complete recovery.
“My thoughts are with her family and her relatives.”
Who is Iris Stalzer?
The newly-elected mayor of the town in the Ruhr region has only been in power for a week.
The 57-year-old won 52.2% of the vote in the run-off election at the end of September.
She was discovered by her son earlier today and rushed to hospital.
Police make urgent appeal
German police have issued an appeal for information.
They say it is unclear if there is a political motivation behind the attack at this moment.
The newly elected German mayor is fighting for her life in hospital, they confirmed.
Where was she found?
Newly elected mayor of Herdecke, Iris Stalzer was found in her apartment with life-threatening injuries.
She suffered multiple stab wounds and was rushed to hospital.