Herdecke stabbing: German mayor fighting for life after being 'attacked by multiple suspects'

The 57-year-old was discovered with multiple knife wounds to her stomach and back.

Emergency services rushed to her apartment in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of the country and treated the elected official for her "serious" injuries.

German outlet Welt reports she was stabbed more than a dozen times before being dragged back into her house.

A homicide squad is expected to take over the German police's investigation, which has made an urgent appeal for information, with it being unclear if there is political motivation behind the attack at this moment.

The force confirmed the newly elected mayor is fighting for her life in hospital.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on X: "We have received a message about an abominable act from Herdecke. It must now be swiftly investigated.

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"We are anxious about the life of the designated mayor, Iris Stalzer, and hope for her complete recovery. My thoughts are with her family and her relatives."

Emergency crews were seen rushing the politician into a rescue helicopter, shielding the 57-year-old before she was flown to the hospital in a critical condition.

German police announced they have launched a manhunt to search for the politician's attacker.

It is understood she was stabbed "13 times" by "several men" who remain on the run.

The newly elected mayor of the town in the Ruhr region has only been in power for a week.

She won the election with 52.2 per cent of the vote at the end of September.

The mayor was due to take office in the first week of November, having beaten Christian Democratic Union of Germany candidate Fabian Haas.

After her victory, she wrote on social media: "Thank you to everyone who voted and supported me, who fought this campaign with me and stood by my side. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible!"

She continued: "First of all, I thank the citizens of Herdecke for this great result and the confidence you place in me as your new mayor.

"From November, I will start my office - full of joy, drive and respect for this task. Together with you, I want to shape, develop and keep our city alive. To a good future together for Herdecke!"

The Heredecke city administration stated: "The media reports about the police operation at Iris Stalzer's home have caused shock and dismay among the city administration.

"The city administration cannot provide any information on Iris Stalzer's condition. It is also pointed out that further information is part of the police investigation. Therefore, any inquiries should be directed to the police."

First Deputy Mayor Dennis Osberg said: "I sincerely wish Ms Stalzer a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with her and her family."