Australian MP loses both legs after alleged car attack, husband says

Helen Haines, the Australian MP who was hit by a car in what authorities say was a deliberate attack, has lost both her legs, her husband has confirmed, BBC reported.

Phil Haines said the "horrendous incident" caused his wife significant injuries but "her heart and her mind are in good shape". He added that the "good news in all this is that she's alive".

The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, faces multiple charges and appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday.

Nugent was arrested moments after he allegedly drove his Toyota LandCruiser into the independent MP outside her electorate office in the regional town of Wangaratta, about 240km (150miles) northeast of Melbourne.

Haines' "road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter," her husband said at a press conference in Melbourne where she is being treated.

"She is a determined person who will do her best, with our support and love, to recover. And that is what we hope for."

He thanked hospital staff and people, both in Australia and internationally, who have shown their concern for Haines, and urged those who want to show their support to donate to the Save the Children fund.