Independent MP Helen Haines critical after being struck by vehicle

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Australian independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle near her office in Victoria.

Independent MP Helen Haines is in critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after emergency surgery following an incident near her Wangaratta office in North East Victoria on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say Haines was struck by a white Toyota Landcruiser driven by a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee at about 3.35pm. The man was arrested at the scene by a passerby. Officers found a knife inside the vehicle and seized it.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as a deliberate attack. "This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear," Albanese told the ABC's 7.30 program. He said he did not know the motivation but that investigations were under way. The Australian Federal Police and spy agency ASIO have joined state police in investigating the incident.

Police are investigating whether the incident was an intentional act.

How it is being reported

• Haines critical after emergency surgery following 'attack', as 'hero' speaksThe joint counter-terrorism unit has joined the investigation: PM.The Examiner · 19 Oct, 23:03
• Haines critical after emergency surgery following 'attack', as 'hero' speaksThe joint counter-terrorism unit has joined the investigation: PM.The Advocate · 19 Oct, 23:03

In this story: Helen Haines · Anthony Albanese · Australian Federal Police · ASIO · Victoria · Wangaratta · Tarrawingee

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