🔗 Share this article Germany's City Leader Critically Injured in Knife Assault, Authorities Report A major police operation is currently ongoing in Herdecke A recently appointed mayor in western Germany has been stabbed and suffered severe wounds near her home, authorities state. The official, 57 years old, is a member of the SPD political group and assumed the mayoral role of Herdecke in the regional state in last month. Area law enforcement say a major operation is in progress in the small town. Investigators indicate all avenues are being explored, but they are not ruling out a domestic link. Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned what he described as "a heinous act", adding: "We fear for the life of the newly elected mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for a full recovery." The SPD said its members were deeply shocked by the incident. Authorities confirm her two children - a daughter, 17, and a 15-year-old son - made an emergency call to police at noon (11:00 British time). The children were subsequently removed for questioning and evidence collection. A reporter at the scene observed a young person getting into a police patrol car. This summer, there was an family conflict episode in the household, which was documented by authorities, security sources said. Public official attacked near home Severe injuries confirmed Probe examines domestic angles Minors made emergency call