Wangaratta Mayor’s heartbreak after alleged attack on MP: ‘Helen of all people’

Key points

• Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant says her community is shocked and heartbroken after federal Independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office. Haines, 65, remains in critical condition at The Alfred Hospital, where surgeons amputated both legs.
• Her husband Phil said she is alive and stable. Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged over what police allege was a deliberate attack.
• He did not apply for bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in February. Police say more charges are not ruled out.