Australian independent member of parliament Helen Haines.
\n\nAustralian independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her electorate office in the state of Victoria on Monday, in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described as an "attack". Haines, 65, was struck in Wangaratta, north-east of Melbourne, Albanese told reporters.
\n\nA 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. Counter-terrorism units have been activated, but investigators have yet to establish a motive, the prime minister said.
\n\nVictoria Police said a white Toyota Land Cruiser driven by the suspect struck Haines at about 15:35 local time.
\n\nThe driver, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, was arrested at the scene by a passer-by, police said. A knife was later found inside the vehicle.
\n\nPolice are investigating whether the incident was intentional and have not established whether the suspect and Haines knew each other.
\n\nAustralia's public broadcaster ABC News reported that the man was known to police and would undergo a mental health assessment. Counter-terrorism investigators will also examine his background.
\n\nPolice maintained a heavy presence around Haines's office in Murphy Street, Wangaratta, for several hours after the incident, with the city's central business district…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/world
