Helen Haines: Barber reveals how he confronted alleged attacker as MP hit by car

A barber who detained the driver accused of striking Victorian MP Helen Haines with his vehicle has revealed how he stepped in during the terrifying indicent.

Ricky Jefferies, who owns the barber shop next door to Haines’ electorate office in Wangaratta, has been praised for his actions after the 65-year-old MP was critically injured in an alleged deliberate attack .

But despite being hailed a hero, the father of three young children has played down his role, describing Haines as a familiar face in the community and expressing sadness that the town has been thrust into the spotlight for such a devastating reason.

Haines was struck by a Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office on Murphy St in Wangaratta, about 250km northeast of Melbourne, about 3.30pm on Monday.

The 65-year-old was standing at the rear of a parked motor vehicle when she was struck by another vehicle travelling along the street, according to Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason .

She was pinned between the LandCruiser and her own vehicle, suffering serious injuries to her legs and lower body.

Jefferies was among the civilians who intervened at the scene, with other bystanders also coming to the aid of the injured MP.

Jefferies told Sunrise on Tuesday he simply asked the man to “jump out of the car”.

When asked whether he had to do anything further to restrain the man, Jefferies said he did not.

The 43-year-old driver was subsequently arrested by police and remained in custody following the incident.

Jefferies said he initially didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation.

“Once it became relevant I just did what I could and what others were already trying to do,” he said.

“I don’t think that I’m a hero; I think that I just was a person who had an opportunity to intervene in a safe-ish sort of way.

“My family are everything, and my community is second to that and I was just trying to not get injured and not let anyone else be injured.”