British Soldier ‘seriously injured’ after being attacked by knifeman on moped

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed.

Officers from Kent Police said they were called around 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.

A cordon is currently in place around the scene of the incident and enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing. The victim, in his 40s, sustained “serious injuries” during the attack in Kent, an Army spokesperson said.

The Army declined to comment on multiple reports that the soldier was in uniform at the time. The victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.

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. 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.”

A cordon is currently in place at the scene and an ongoing police presence will be in the area while enquiries continue.

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During the alleged assault, eyewitnesses recounted hearing a “blood-curdling scream” with one claiming the “knifeman ran his finger across the blade and licked it in front of them.”

Another witness told MailOnline: “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.”

Brompton Barracks, which is home to the Royal School of Military Engineering, was said to have been placed into “lockdown” by Army chiefs, reports The Sun

It is understood squaddies on-site were told in a tannoy message that they must assemble in buildings on site and could not leave “for any reason until authorised”.

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.”