Slovakia’s prime minster Robert Fico has been shot and injured.
The incident took place outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, where Mr Fico had been meeting supporters.
A suspect has been detained, it said. Mr Fico has been taken to hospital.
Four shots were fired after a government meeting, with one hitting the prime minister in the abdomen.
Emergency services said they dispatched a helicopter to a 59-year-old man in Handlova after receiving a report of a shooting.
Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after the incident. Pic: Reuters
A person is detained. Pic: Reuters
Two people who were with Mr Fico at the moment he was shot told local news outlet Diary N about the moment it happened.
“I was just going to shake his hand,” said one. “When the shots rang out, I almost became deaf,” said the other, who did not want to give her name. She heard three or four shots.
She saw Fico fall to the ground in front of her and says she noticed bloody injuries on his chest and head.
President Zuzana Caputova condemned “a brutal and ruthless” attack on the premier.
“I’m shocked,” Ms Caputova said. “I wish Robert Fico a lot of strength in this critical moment and a quick recovery from this attack.”
Handlova is located some 150 kilometres (93 miles) north east of the capital Bratislava.
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico in February. Pic: AP
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.