Victorian Independent MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition with reports indicating she may have lost her leg after being struck by a car outside her Wangaratta electoral office on Murphy Street just after 3:30pm Monday afternoon.
A crime scene has been declared outside her office; images released of the scene show the area cordoned off with police tape.
Haines was reportedly getting belongings out of the boot of her car in a parking bay when she was hit by a white Land Rover.
Witnesses said the driver appeared to pass Haines before performing a U-turn and driving back, striking Haines with the vehicle and pinning her under the car, according to 9News.
Police are reportedly treating the incident as a suspected targeted attack.
A local barber told 7News that he pulled the driver from the car and allegedly wrestled him to the ground after finding a flick knife in his pocket.
The 65-year-old mother of three was rushed to hospital with ‘severe’ lower body injuries, Victoria Police said.
Reports have since emerged she will be airlifted to Melbourne for further treatment.
Independent member for Indi Helen Haines has been hit by a car (pictured as she spoke during an address at the National Press Club)
Emergency services outside the office of Helen Haines
Haines’ family issued a statement on Monday night where they thanked the ‘swift assistance’ of bystanders, police and medical workers for responding to the incident.
‘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 the media’, the statement said.
Haines was first elected as the Independent Federal Member for Indi in 2019.
She worked as a health professional before making a career change and entering politics.
‘Through my work as a nurse, midwife and health researcher, I’ve cared for people in our community during some of their most important moments’, her website reads.
‘I’m not beholden to a political party and call out bad decisions, no matter who made them. I fight for you and work to get results for our community, even when the going is tough.’
More to come.
