Independent MP Helen Haines critical after being struck by a car outside her office

Police are investigating whether it was intentional, and a 43-year-old man is in custody. Counter-terrorism investigators are involved.

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Independent federal MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition after being struck by a car outside her Wangaratta office in Victoria, media reports said on Tuesday morning. It happened at about 3.35pm on Monday. Police say they are "investigating as to whether this was an intentional act". They said the driver was "arrested at the scene by a passerby", and a knife was found and seized from inside the car. A 43-year-old man is in custody. Police said he had not been charged as of early Tuesday. They are treating it as an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat. Ms Haines was taken to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said counter-terrorism investigators are involved. "This wasn't an accident... now is not a time to speculate on the motivation," he said. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said threat reports against high office holders rose from 951 to 1,067 last financial year. Leaders across politics condemned the alleged attack. Her family has asked for privacy. It is not yet known why it happened.