Kent Brompton Barracks attacker was 'looking for soldier' before stabbing as man arrested
The soldier in his 40s was seriously injured in the attack at the barracks in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham, Kent, and airlifted to hospital.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was brutally stabbed near an army barracks in Kent, leaving him left fighting for his life.
The victim, in his 40s, sustained "serious injuries", an Army spokesperson said. Unconfirmed reports suggest his assailant was looking for the victim before the horrific attack and "licked the knife" after it.
One horrified witness heard "a huge scream", at which point locals rushed to help the serviceman as the masked men fled on a moped.
The soldier was in uniform when he was attacked near his home, a defence source confirmed to the BBC. Kent Police said they were called at about 5.55pm yesterday 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. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "shocked and appalled" by the attack.
The Home Office has said the incident is not terror-related, according to the BBC's Simon Jones.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm, Kent Police said.
The road where police said the incident occurred is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
An Army spokesperson said: "We're very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack.
"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."
A cordon is currently in place at the scene and an ongoing police presence will be in the area while inquiries continue.
One witness told The Sun: "Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived.
"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."
Another witness, 38-year-old Alex Reynolds, added: “I came out on the street, went over to the corner. It was a minute and a half after the incident, there were already 10 people around the body.
“The body was lying there and not moving.”
The assailant was wearing a “cream camouflage” military uniform, he explained.
Mr Reynolds said others at the scene saw the attacker “speed away” on a motorbike and told of someone trying to chase him in a car. He added that he spoke to one of the victim’s colleagues, who said the man goes for a walk every night at around 6pm.
Mr Reynolds’ Ring doorbell footage captured screams, with someone yelling: “What the hell are you doing?”
Defence Secretary John Healey said the stabbing of a soldier in Kent on Tuesday night was “shocking”.
In a statement on X, he said: “Shocking to hear of an attack on a soldier in Kent.
“My thoughts are with the soldier and his family, who deserve privacy at this difficult time.
“On behalf of the Government, I wish him a swift recovery.”
Sir Keir said: "I am shocked and appalled by the news that a soldier has been attacked in Kent.
"All our thoughts are with the soldier, his family and our Armed Forces community, who serve to keep all of us safe. I wish him a swift recovery."
