Australian MP ‘may have lost her leg’ after being struck by car in ‘targeted attack’

| Senior science and technology reporter Published October 19, 2026 12:50pm Updated October 19, 2026 12:55pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video An MP in Victoria, Australia, has been critically injured following an alleged attack involving a car outside her office today. Helen Haines, 65, was struck by a white Toyota Land Cruiser on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, about 3.35pm local time. She suffered critical lower body injuries and could lose both her legs. A witness ‘heard a loud bang and saw a woman pinned between two cars’, she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7.30 programme. A Tarrawingee man, 43, exited the vehicle and was arrested at the scene after being tackled by bystanders. Police found a knife inside the Toyota, the force said. The motive, if any, remains unclear. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. MP is a ‘well-loved member of her community’, says prime minister Helen Haines represents Indi, which hugs the border of Victoria (Picture: AAPIMAGE) Haines, an Independent MP who has represented Indi since 2019, remains in hospital, her family said. ‘We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,’ they added. ‘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 media. Please keep Helen in your thoughts.’ Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an ‘attack’ and ‘not an accident’ during a press conference. Haines ‘is a well-loved member of her community and this will come as an incredible shock to her community,’ he said. ‘There’s a reason why Helen Haines is so loved and admired because she’s someone of integrity. She’s someone who treats everyone with respect. A man has been arrested (Picture: AFP) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ‘And she’s someone who is a beacon of light for that community there in northern Victoria.’ Opposition leader Angus Taylor, who is head of the Liberal Party, said he is ‘deeply saddened and distressed’ by the incident. Haines was set to appear on ABC Afternoon Briefing that afternoon, host Patricia Karvelas said. The politicians’ team messaged the programme crew saying: ‘There’s been something very serious that’s happened. She cannot come on.’ Karvelas said: ‘She fought fiercely, as you know, for an independent body that investigated corruption.’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: ‘We were lost in the desert for five days after one mistake – this is how we stayed alive’ Arrow MORE: Woman charged after ‘lacing co-worker’s curry with snail poison’ Arrow MORE: Flight chaos as bedbug outbreak leaves passengers covered in bites News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.