Police not ruling out further serious charges over Helen Haines attack

Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines.

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Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are investigating the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines. Police Commissioner Mike Bush says police have not ruled out laying further charges against Brendan Nugent.

Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Ms Haines, 65, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Victoria Police and the AFP told a press conference that they have not ruled out laying further charges, including attempted murder. Chief Commissioner Bush said, 'While I say this investigation is far from complete, we are not ruling out further serious charges.'

The investigation is ongoing, and police are also looking into whether Mr Nugent was involved in the sovereign citizen movement or whether the attack was personal. Chief Commissioner Bush stated that there were no 'intelligence holdings' against Mr Nugent and police had no information to suggest he was an 'immediate threat.'

A number of staff have been deployed to Wangaratta to give assurance to members of the public. Chief Commissioner Bush described the attack as a 'deliberate but isolated act.'

Ms Haines remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.