Australian MP critically injured after being hit by car in apparent attack

Australian MP Helen Haines is in a critical but stable condition after being hit by a car twice in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as a "deliberate" act.

The independent member for Indi, 65, was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital after she was struck outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon. She has undergone surgery and lost one of her legs, local media reported.

Brendan Nugent, 43, from nearby Tarrawingee, has been named as the suspect who was detained at the scene by a bystander. Police say a knife was found in the car.

Politicians from all sides have condemned the attack which has shocked Australia, where political violence is rare.

The incident happened around 15:35 (04:35 GMT) on Monday when Haines was hit by a white Toyota Landcruiser outside her Murphy St office in Wangaratta, about 240km (150 miles) north-east of Melbourne.

The driver of the car allegedly did a U-turn to get into position before hitting Haines twice, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.

"What witnesses have described is the driver doing a U-turn to get into the car park and to ram Helen against a vehicle, then to reverse and do it a second time," Burke told national broadcaster ABC on Tuesday.

Source: BBC News World RSS (Open Press / Full Text)