Independent MP Helen Haines fighting for life after incident outside Wangaratta office in regional Victoria

The independent MP Helen Haines has been critically injured in an alleged attack involving a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in regional Victoria.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, confirmed on Monday night that a suspect was in custody and that the alleged attack on Haines was being investigated by the Australian federal police (AFP), Asio and the joint counter-terror taskforce.

He said the motive for the alleged attack was not known, and would not comment on whether the suspect was known to police.

In a statement, Haines’ family confirmed that she had been injured and thanked bystanders for their assistance.

“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” they said in the statement.

“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response.

“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.”

In a statement, Victoria police said a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, about 10km from Wangaratta, was in custody and that a knife had allegedly been found in his car. They alleged he had been detained by a passerby when he exited the car.

The statement said the woman that was struck was in a critical condition.

“Police have arrested a man after a woman was struck by a vehicle in Wangaratta this afternoon.

“It is understood a white Toyota LandCruiser struck the 65-year-old woman outside an office on Murphy Street about 3.35pm.

Police said that they were investigating as to whether it was an intentional act, and it was not known if “the parties are known to each other”.

Emergency services had been called to the scene of the incident at Murphy Street on Monday afternoon.

According to the Victorian Emergency Services website, two vehicles responded and the road was closed after the incident.

In a social media post, the Nationals MP, Michael McCormack, said it was “such awful news”.

“Sending my love and best wishes to Helen Haines for a full and speedy recovery,” McCormack said.

Police were expected to release a statement regarding the incident on Monday night.

Haines has represented the electorate of Indi since 2019.