Police probe whether family dispute was linked to alleged attack on Helen Haines

Police are examining whether an alleged rift between Brendan Nugent and his family is relevant to their investigation into the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said officers were keeping every line of inquiry open, including the possibility that the incident was connected to grievances involving Nugent’s family.

Haines, 65, is in a critical but stable condition after both legs were amputated following severe injuries. Nugent, 43, was arrested in Wangaratta on Monday and charged with several offences, including dangerous driving causing serious harm; he remains in custody and has not applied for bail. Bush said Nugent’s father and his father’s partner had been very helpful to police.