Suspected attacker of Australian MP was family friend for two decades

The suspected attacker of an Australian MP, who remains in a critical condition after having a car rammed into her, was a long-term family friend.

Environmental activist Brendan Nugent, 43, was arrested in the state of Victoria after allegedly driving his car into the independent MP Helen Haines, 65, outside of her electorate office in Wangaratta northern Victoria, causing her to require airlifting to hospital.

While Haines is believed to be stable, doctors have amputated her leg and are reportedly working on saving her other leg.

Nugent, who worked with Haines in the past, was reportedly already known to the police.

Nugent's father, who said he has been friends with Haines for more than 20 years, has described the event as a "shocking and horrific crime", thanking residents and officers for their assistance in helping her.

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