Helen Haines loses leg after alleged car attack in Wangaratta
Independent MP Helen Haines has had one leg amputated after she was allegedly struck twice by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta in north-east Victoria.
The alleged attack happened at about 3.35pm on Monday outside her office on Murphy Street, the town's main street. Ms Haines, 65, suffered serious injuries to both legs, according to The Guardian.
She had just driven back to Wangaratta from a sod-turning event in Mansfield and was standing at the back of her car. A white Toyota did a U-turn and allegedly rammed into her, then reversed and hit her a second time.
People from nearby shops rushed to help after hearing the impact. Cody Lepoidevin, who works at the High Country RoadHouse outdoor store directly across the road, went over with two or three customers.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies ran to the Toyota, pulled the driver from his seat and wrestled him to the ground while others stayed with Ms Haines. One person jumped in front of the car during the incident. Mr Jefferies alleged the driver had a knife on him which was thrown away.
Ms Haines was taken to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital for surgery and was in a critical but stable condition afterwards. The driver has been in custody since the Monday incident.
Police have identified the man arrested as Brendan Nugent, 43, according to the ABC. His family say they are friends of Ms Haines, and his online history shows he once complimented her.
