Husband of MP targeted in car 'ramming' says she has lost both legs in 'tragedy'

Husband of MP targeted in car 'ramming' says she has lost both legs in 'tragedy' The horror attack has gripped Australia as heroic bystanders stepped in to stop the attack - now her husband has confirmed the latest health update as King Charles' representative issues a statement Dr Helen Haines, the Australian MP ‘rammed twice’ with a 4x4, has lost both of her legs following the ‘horrific’ incident, her husband has emotionally announced. The independent MP was seriously injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser pinned her against a car on Monday afternoon, October 19. She was allegedly attacked by Brendan Nugent in Wangaratta, a small city in rural Victoria she represented. “What took place on Monday was a horrendous incident,” Dr Haines’ husband Phil said in a press conference outside The Alfred Hospital in central Melbourne. “It has caused her significant injuries. Helen’s left leg was amputated. We had been hoping the right leg has been saved but as of today the surgeons have removed her right leg. “The good news is Helen is alive and stable. That’s the most important thing for her family.” As Mr Haines handed over to Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, he choked back tears. Ms Mostyn, King Charles ’ representative in Australia, added: “Australia is still reeling from the shock of this terrible attack. People are dumbfounded and finding it hard to understand the scale of the tragedy.” Earlier today, Brendan Nugent appeared in court for the first time charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official. He did not speak during the short hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates Court, and was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance in February. Police said on Wednesday morning Nugent, 43, could yet face more charges. A motive for the attack remains unclear, but officers are continuing to investigate why it took place, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said. The ‘horrific’ attack only stopped when bystanders intervened to wrestle the driver from behind the wheel and took a knife from him, barber Ricky Jeffries said. Mr Jefferies has been hailed as a hero by police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, something he has dismissed — pointing out multiple people ran to Dr Haines’ aid with regard for their own safety. They were thanked by a Haines family statement in the hours after the incident. Last night, a statement issued by the Nugent family revealed Dr Haines had been a friend for ‘more than 20 years’, adding ‘what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable’.