Brompton Barracks: Police make horrifying discovery after soldier 'stabbed 12 times'

One resident, who wished not to be named, said he first saw an unmarked police car at around 6.10pm and then three or four police cars turned up and armed police.

They said: "He was staying there with (police). It was very calm, no struggling and must have been 20 minutes later took him to a car at the end of the green."

Another man, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "I looked out of the window. They were leading him into the car.

"Saw the guy in handcuffs (with) about six police officers around him. About 30 minutes after that sniffer dogs came round."

Forensics experts have been using a sniffer dog in their investigation in Kent.

Images who at least one dog at work as officers piece together facts in the case, which police are not treating as terror related.

The latest photos from Gillingham show forensics experts scouring the scene.

The knife attack on a uniformed Army officer is not thought to be terror-related, according to the police.

It is understood security was tightened up at the base in the immediate aftermath of the attack, but has since returned to normal levels.

A top cop from Kent Police has said the force is looking into the possibility the incident may be linked to mental health.

Acting Ch Supt Richard Woolley from Kent Police said: "This was an upsetting incident for all concerned and our best wishes go to the victim, his family and those who witnessed the incident.

"Residents will experience an increased police presence in the Gillingham area and I would like to reassure everyone that officers responded quickly to take a man into custody and we do not currently believe anyone else was involved.

"The motivation for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of our ongoing enquiries, although we are exploring the possibility that it may be mental health-related.

"We are also investigating any possible links between the location and the suspect.

"There is no further information at this time to suggest there are any wider threats to the local community including members of the armed forces."

Kent Police has said the soldier is in a serious but stable condition in the force's latest update.

It said a man remains in custody today following the serious assault. There is an ongoing police presence in Gillingham.

The suspect is a 24-year-old local man, who is reported to have left the scene on a motorcycle and at about 6.30pm was found and arrested in Mooring Road, Rochester, according to Kent Police.

Cordons have been set up at both the scene of the incident and the scene of the arrest, with a number of knives seized.

Doorbell footage has captured the chilling screams of a woman as she witnesses a soldier being allegedly stabbed in the street.

The disturbing video reveals the panic-stricken voice of a woman shouting: "What are you doing? What the f*** are you doing? Get off him! ".

This map gives a clearer idea of the barrack's location between Gillingham and Chatham in Kent.

An aerial view of the scene shows the tree-lined street where the shocking incident took place.

Witness Alex Reynolds said: "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 38-year-old said the man was in a "cream camouflage" military uniform.

He said others at the scene said they saw the attacker "speed away" on a motorbike and told of someone trying to chase him in a car.

Mr Reynolds added that he spoke to one of the victim's colleagues who said the man goes for a walk every night at around 6pm.

The witness's Ring doorbell footage captured screams, with someone yelling: "What the hell are you doing?"

General Sir Roland Walker, Chief of the General Staff, said the attack on an Army officer was "horrific".

In a post on X, Gen. Sir Roland said he was deeply saddened by the horrific attack on an officer, adding: "Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to defend our nation and deserve to be respected.

"My thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family. They have the full support of the chain of command as they recover from this horrendous incident."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled" by the stabbing.

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly has described the alleged stabbing as "horrific".

He wrote on X: "Horrific to hear a member of our armed forces has been stabbed in Kent.

"Wishing him a swift recovery and my thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.

"Thank you to the police for their swift action, arresting the suspect."

The victim's wife reportedly screamed in horror as she watched her husband allegedly knifed in the street, an eyewitness has told the Mirror.

Alex Reynolds, 38, who lives near the scene of the attack, said he heard piercing screams before heading towards them in a bid to help.

He said: "His wife came out and was telling other squaddies to get out of their cars and help. She was frantically running around literally directing traffic, telling them to drive on the pavements so they can get to the scene. She was getting as many people to try and help her husband."

A woman who lives near the scene said she was sitting down to dinner with her family when they heard a "huge scream".

As they got to the window, she saw the attacker giving a final stab wound to a victim who was on the floor.

She could not see if the person was wearing a military uniform, adding: "It's very, very scary."

Defence Secretary John Healey said what happened was "shocking", adding: "On behalf of the Government, I wish him a swift recovery."

An Army spokesperson said they were "very sorry to confirm a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack".

They added: "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."

Officers were called at about 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham, Kent.

The victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition was described as serious.

Kent Police said in a statement on X that the man had been airlifted to hospital.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to the force.

The alleged incident happened near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

A cordon was in place at the scene and an ongoing police presence will be in the area.

Good morning and welcome to the Express's live blog. I'll be bringing you the latest updates on the alleged attack in Kent.