🔗 Share this article Germany's City Leader Critically Injured in Knife Assault, Authorities Report A large-scale law enforcement response is currently ongoing in Herdecke A recently appointed mayor in Germany's western region has been attacked with a knife and left critically injured near her home, police say. The official, 57, is a affiliate of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of the municipality in the regional state in September. Area law enforcement report a major operation is under way in the small town. Officials say all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a domestic link. The Chancellor censured what he called "a terrible crime", stating: "We are concerned about the survival of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and wish for complete healing." The SPD said its party members were deeply shocked by the incident. Officials say her two children - a 17-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old son - made an emergency call to authorities at noon (11:00 British time). The children were later taken away for questioning and forensic investigation. A reporter at the scene observed a teenager getting into a police patrol car. During the summer, there was an family conflict episode in the family, which was recorded by the police, security sources revealed. Mayor attacked at residence Severe injuries confirmed Police investigation examines family links Children alerted authorities