Australian MP critically injured and may have lost leg in ‘targeted’ car attack

An MP in Victoria, Australia, has been critically injured following an alleged attack involving a car outside her office today.

Helen Haines, 65, was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, about 3.35pm local time.

She suffered critical lower body injuries and could lose both her legs.

A witness ‘heard a loud bang and saw a woman pinned between two cars’, she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7.30 programme.

A Tarrawingee man, 43, exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene after being tackled by bystanders.

Police found a knife inside the Toyota, the force said. The motive, if any, remains unclear.

MP is a ‘well-loved member of her community’, says prime minister

Haines, an Independent MP who has represented Indi since 2019, remains in hospital, her family said.

‘We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,’ they added.

‘Our family and Helen’s staff will be making no further comment at this time, and ask that their privacy be respected by the public and media. Please keep Helen in your thoughts.’

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an ‘attack’ and ‘not an accident’ during a press conference.

Haines ‘is a well-loved member of her community and this will come as an incredible shock to her community,’ he said.

‘There’s a reason why Helen Haines is so loved and admired because she’s someone of integrity. She’s someone who treats everyone with respect.

‘And she’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.’

Opposition leader Angus Taylor, who is head of the Liberal Party, said he is ‘deeply saddened and distressed’ by the incident.

Haines was set to appear on ABC Afternoon Briefing that afternoon, host Patricia Karvelas said.

The politicians’ team messaged the programme crew saying: ‘There’s been something very serious that’s happened. She cannot come on.’

Karvelas said: ‘She fought fiercely, as you know, for an independent body that investigated corruption.’

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