Andreas Hollstein was given an award by Angela Merkel this year for accepting extra refugees in his town

A mayor who was honoured by Angela Merkel for supporting refugees was slashed in the neck by an anti-immigrant attacker on Monday night.

Andreas Hollstein, a member of Mrs Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party and the mayor of Altena, near Dortmund, was attacked by a man described as drunk and angry at the influx of migrants into the town.

The attack took place in a kebab shop where Mr Hollstein, 54, managed to fend off his attacker with the help of two staff, a father and son. The attacker was described as a 56-year-old German.

“I am shocked by the knife attack on mayor Andreas Hollstein and very relieved that he is back with his family,” Mrs Merkel said. “Thanks also to those who helped