Aussie lawmaker Helen hurt in car attack loses leg

Australian lawmaker Helen Haines lost her leg in a deliberate car attack on Monday, local media reported. Prime Minister Albanese condemned the act, calling it a test of the nation's character. Haines, 65, was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her office in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne. Witnesses described seeing the woman pinned between two cars after she was getting things from her car trunk.

The driver, a 43-year-old male, U-turned back to her before driving away. Local barber Ricky Jefferies restrained the driver, who was subsequently arrested and is in custody. Albanese noted the rise in threats and abuse against elected officials in recent years, urging Australians to uphold the importance of respectful political discourse.