Helen Haines updates: Independent MP injured in incident outside regional Victoria office

Independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in an incident involving a vehicle outside her office in Wangaratta, a regional town in Victoria, Australia. Police have arrested a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, who allegedly struck Haines with a white Toyota Landcruiser on Murphy Street around 3:35 PM. The driver was apprehended by a passerby and will be interviewed regarding the incident.

Haines is currently hospitalized with critical injuries, and police are investigating whether the act was intentional. A knife was also seized from inside the vehicle, but it is unclear if the victim and the perpetrator are acquainted. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are en route to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Victoria Police assure the community that there is no ongoing threat at this stage, and they are treating the incident as isolated. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has noted a recent increase in reports of harassing and threatening behavior against MPs and their offices.