Robert Fico has been airlifted to hospital in what has been described as a crucial few hours.

The shooting happened outside the House of Culture in the town of Handlova, about 93 miles northeast of the capital Bratislava.

Follow live: President condemns 'brutal' attack

A suspect, reported to be in his 70s, was detained at the scene and Slovakia's interior ministry confirmed it was an assassination attempt.

Mr Fico, 59, was conscious when he was taken to hospital, a spokesperson said.

Two people at the scene told local news outlet Diary N about the moment the shooting 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 said she heard three or four shots and that Mr Fico fell to the floor with blood on his chest and head.

Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova called it a "brutal and ruthless" attack.

"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."

German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was "shocked" and that violence has no place in politics.

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