A man has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was repeatedly stabbed near an Army barracks.
Police responded to a serious assault call just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham, close to Brompton Barracks. The soldier, in his 40s, sustained multiple stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital, where his condition is reported as serious.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. It is understood that the victim resided in military housing on the same street.
Witnesses described seeing an individual arrive on a moped and launch a violent attack on the soldier. “The attacker used two kitchen knives, each about nine to ten inches long, and stabbed the soldier roughly twelve times,” one witness recounted.
The soldier, who was in uniform and heading home from work at the barracks, was targeted exclusively by the assailant. The soldier’s wife attempted to intervene, but the attacker remained focused solely on the soldier.
After the assault, the attacker fled on the moped. An air ambulance was dispatched to nearby Great Lines Heritage Park around 6:30 p.m. Forensic officers and a police helicopter were also observed at the scene.
In a statement, police confirmed they had been called to Sally Port Gardens for a severe assault. “A man in his 40s suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and is in serious condition,” they said. “A 24-year-old man was arrested at around 6:20 p.m. on suspicion of attempted murder. A cordon is in place, and investigations are ongoing.”
Later, police cordoned off part of Mooring Road in Rochester, about ten minutes from Sally Port Gardens, where they examined a moped and a helmet.
Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his shock at the incident, stating, “My thoughts are with the soldier and his family, who deserve privacy during this difficult time. On behalf of the government, I wish him a swift recovery.”
An Army spokesperson added, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a soldier has been seriously injured in an attack in Chatham. Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family. We are working closely with the police to support the investigation and request that their privacy is respected. Anyone with information should contact Kent Police.”
