Australian MP Helen Haines struck by vehicle and hospitalised with critical injuries
Independent Australian federal MP Helen Haines was struck by an SUV near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an attack, but its motive remains unknown.
Image: bbc.com · Author: http://www.facebook.com/bbcnews · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
Helen Haines, an independent member of Australia’s federal Parliament, was struck by a vehicle near her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria. State police said she was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an attack. He said the motive was not known, and that a Joint Counter Terrorism Team had joined the investigation.
Preliminary information indicates an SUV hit Haines in a car park near her office. Police are investigating whether the collision was deliberate and whether Haines and the suspect knew each other.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was detained after the incident and remains in custody. Investigators are preparing to question him. Police found and seized a knife while examining the vehicle.
Police are provisionally treating the incident as isolated. Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said they did not believe there was any further threat to the community.
Haines’s family said she was receiving medical care and thanked witnesses, medical staff and police for their quick response. They asked for privacy for the family and office staff. Her condition has not been officially updated.
What we know
- MP Helen Haines was hit by a vehicle near her Wangaratta office and hospitalised with critical injuries.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident an attack and said its motive was unknown.
- A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee is in custody as investigators prepare to question him.
- Police seized a knife from the vehicle and are investigating whether the collision was deliberate.
- Police are provisionally treating the incident as isolated and say they see no further threat to the community.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: BBC News Україна.
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