Kent Brompton Barracks knife attack: Soldier fights for life as knifeman 'licked blade'

A soldier is battling for his life after he was attacked by a knife-wielding man outside a British Army base. The horrifying incident allegedly took place outside Brompton Barracks between Chatham and Gillingham in Kent around 6pm today, with the assailant reportedly armed with two knives.

Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a 'blood-curdling scream' during the alleged assault, with one claiming the 'knifeman ran his finger across the blade and licked it in front of them'. A shocked onlooker said the knifeman leapt off a moped and dashed towards the soldier, who is in his 40s.

The masked attacker then began repeatedly stabbing the soldier. According to The Sun, the attacker donned a ski mask and a NASA bomber jacket. A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A woman, believed to be the victim's wife, then rushed outside and tried to halt the knife-man by attempting to pull him off the soldier.

It is reported that the soldier, who was in uniform, managed to get to his feet and stumble in the direction his house which was said to be just 50 yards from the barracks. But the attacker allegedly chased after him and began attacking him a second time.

An eyewitness, who rushed to aid the soldier, said the victim was left with wounds "all over his body."

The witness added: "Part of the soldier's face was hanging off."

Another witness told Mail Online: "The guy was looking for a soldier to attack. When the guy's wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn't even try to hurt her. He only had his sights set on hurting a British soldier."

The British Army has this morning released a statement and have sadly confirmed a soldier sustained serious injuries in a stabbing near Brompton Barracks.

An Army spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack in Chatham, Kent. Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family and we request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time. We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and support the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any relevant information should contact Kent Police.”

Kent Police confirmed they were called to a serious assault in Gillingham, adding the victim was a man in his 40s.

He was later transported to hospital where his condition was described as serious. A police spokesperson said following the attack: "Officers attended the scene and at approximately 6.20pm a 24-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. A cordon is currently in place around the scene of the incident and enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing."

Police have warned locals to expect a cordon at the scene of the attack, reports the Mirror. Officers are conducting investigations to determine what transpired and to understand the events leading up to the incident.

A source has confirmed that the man stabbed is a serving British soldier.

Police said they were called around 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham. The victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm, Kent Police said. The road where police said the incident occurred is located near to Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.