Slovak PM stabilizedbut in 'very serious' condition

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been taken to hospital after being shot by an unidentified assailant.

The shooting took place in Handlova, Slovakia, where Fico was visiting to attend a government meeting on Wednesday. Fico reportedly suffered wounds in his abdomen and was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital. His condition has stabilized overnight but is still "very serious", the deputy prime minister said on Thursday.

The alleged suspect has reportedly been detained.Robert Fico assumed power after he led his opposition party to victory in a parliamentary election last September.