A British soldier has been left fighting for life with "serious injuries" after being attacked by a man wielding a knife.
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 to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.
The victim, in his 40s, sustained “serious injuries” during the attack in Kent, an Army spokesperson said. A source has told GB News the incident is not being treated as as a terror attack.
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.
A police car at the scene in Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham, Kent
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A police cordon at Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham, Kent
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The road where police said the incident occurred is located 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 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."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote on social media: "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."
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on social media: "The stabbing of a soldier in Kent last night is shocking and appalling. All our thoughts are with the soldier & his family. I am receiving updates from Kent Police."
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Police vehicles beside a cordon at the scene in Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham, Kent
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Officers at the scene in Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham, Kent
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Brompton Barracks
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During the alleged assault, eyewitnesses recounted hearing a “blood-curdling scream”.
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 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”.
A man in military uniform stands beside a police cordon at the scene in Sally Port Gardens
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Defence Secretary John Healey called the incident “shocking.”
In a statement on social media, 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.”
