Victim sustains ‘serious injuries’ during attack near barracks in Gillingham, as 24-year-old suspect detained
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed in Kent, reportedly while wearing his uniform.
The victim, in his 40s, sustained “serious injuries” during the attack, an army spokesperson said.
Police said they were called at about 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham. The victim sustained 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 near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
An army spokesperson said they were “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.”
They declined to comment on reports that the soldier was in uniform at the time.
Early details of the stabbing led officers from Kent police to refer the case to counter-terrorism. A source told the Guardian that officers from Counter Terrorism Policing South East were “supporting” Kent police, who remained in charge of the investigation “into the circumstances of this incident”.
Detectives are also looking at the mental health history of the suspect and are urgently examining any electronic devices, such as phones or computers, he may have had access to for clues as to a motive.
Counter-terrorism specialists are expected to remain supporting the Kent police investigation until they are satisfied that terrorism can be ruled out.
A witness, who rushed to the soldier’s aid, told the Sun newspaper the attacker had been on a moped before running at the soldier and stabbing him repeatedly.
The victim had “wounds all over his body”, the witness said, adding: “Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived. When the guy’s wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn’t even try to hurt her.”
A Kent police statement said: “An investigation has been launched following reports of a serious assault in Gillingham. Kent police was called at around 5.55pm on Tuesday 23 July 2024 to reports a man in his 40s had suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds in Sally Port Gardens.
“The victim was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as serious. 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 inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing. Local residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the area.”
The prime minister, Keir Starmer, wrote on X: “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.”
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