Car allegedly did U-turn and struck Helen Haines twice, as ‘hero’ local barber praised for apprehending driver

Barber Ricky Jefferies, who rushed to help MP Helen Haines after she was allegedly run down in Wangaratta, has been praised by the Australian prime minister. However, Jefferies himself downplayed his heroic actions, saying he "had no choice" but to intervene. He was cutting hair at his shop next to Haines' electorate office when the car struck the MP around 4pm on Monday.

Jefferies recounted how he grabbed the driver out of the car, holding him down while others aided Haines, who is in critical but stable condition. The driver reportedly did a U-turn before running Haines over twice, reversing each time. Police allege the driver had a knife, which Jefferies claims he took out of the man's pocket but did not use.

Despite the media attention, Jefferies insisted he was just doing his duty and didn't want to be known as a hero. He emphasized that his family and community were his priorities. PM Albanese called Jefferies a "hero" for his intervention, which may have prevented further harm. Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant also praised the barber, noting he handled the situation with great bravery and modesty.