Australian MP Helen Haines hit by car and severely injured in ‘targeted attack’

Australian MP Helen Haines hit by car and severely injured in ‘targeted attack’ MP Helen Haines remains in hospital following the incident in Wangaratta, regional Victoria, as the attack is being investigated by counter-terror officers An Australian MP has been seriously injured following an alleged attack involving a car outside her electorate office. Helen Haines remains in hospital with critical injuries following the incident in Wangaratta, regional Victoria. A suspect has been arrested, Australian PM Anthony Albanese confirmed, adding that the attack was being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) and the joint counter-terror taskforce. Victoria Police said in a statement that it is understood a white Toyota Landcruiser struck the 65-year-old MP at about 3.35pm on Monday (5.35am BST) in the southern Australian city. A knife was also located inside the car. The motive remains unknown. Ms Haines is an independent MP and has represented Indi since 2019. Emergency services responded to the incident on Murphy Street on Monday afternoon and the road was closed after the attack. In a statement, Ms Haines' family said: "This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care. We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response. "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." Victoria Police said in a statement that it is understood a white Toyota Landcruiser struck the 65-year-old MP at about 3.35pm on Monday (5.35am BST) in the southern Australian city. The statement from the police reads: "Police have arrested a man after a woman was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta this afternoon. "It is understood a white Toyota Landcruiser struck the 65-year-old woman outside an office on Murphy Street about 3.35pm. When he exited the Toyota, the driver, a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man, was arrested at the scene by a passerby. "He will be interviewed in relation to the incident. The woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries. A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota. "At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act. It is not known yet if the parties are known to each other. Major Collison Investigation Unit detectives are en route. The investigation remains ongoing." Several political leaders have expressed their shock following the incident. Among them is One Nation political party leader Pauline Hanson, who said she is "horrified and saddened" by the attack. "Violence against any elected representative, whoever they are and whatever they stand for, is never acceptable in Australia. Members of parliament and their staff must be able to serve their communities without fearing for their safety," she added. Fellow independent MP, Dr Monique Ryan, also said: "Helen Haines is the very best of people. She's respected and loved by every person in our Parliament. Those of us lucky enough to know her are praying for Helen and her family, team and community tonight."