Merkel coalition, centre left neck-and-neck in state vote

Angela Merkel's coalition and the centre-left opposition were neck-and-neck in exit polls in a state election in Lower Saxony on Sunday, which could deprive the German chancellor of a boost for her bid to win a third term later this year.

But the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens were also seen getting about 46%. A victory in Lower Saxony would boost their chances of unseating Merkel in September's federal elections despite a poor start by the SPD challenger Peer Steinbrueck.