Stabbing attack on Army officer near barracks not terror-related, police believe

A stabbing attack on a uniformed Army officer near a Royal Engineers base in Kent is not thought to be terrorism-related.

The victim, who is in his 40s, remains in a serious condition in hospital following the attack near Brompton Barracks.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

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

Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley of Kent Police said: "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."

Army chief sends condolences

The victim has not yet been named, but Brompton Barracks is the headquarters of 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

Chief of the General Staff General Sir Roly Walker posted on X: "I am deeply saddened by the horrific and unprovoked attack on an officer yesterday.

"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."

Attack witnessed

Witnesses said the soldier was repeatedly stabbed in the incident by a masked knifeman.

Neighbour Alex Reynolds, 38, said he heard screams and went outside to see a man wearing camouflage military uniform lying on the ground, surrounded by people trying to help.

Mr Reynolds' video doorbell captured the screams, with someone heard shouting: "What the hell are you doing?"

Another witness, who lives nearby, described the officer's wife asking for medical help.

She said she heard the woman say: "My husband has been stabbed – is there a first aider?"

Another woman who lives near the scene of the attack in Sally Port Gardens said she had been sitting down to dinner with her family when they heard a huge scream.

As she went to the window, she saw the attacker inflicting a final stab wound on the victim, who was on the ground, before fleeing on a moped.

Appeal for information

An Army spokesman 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."

It is understood an armed presence is in place on the front gate at the barracks and security is being reviewed as required.

Defence Secretary John Healey expressed his shock at the attack.

Writing 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."

Police cordon in place

Kent Police 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 enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing.

"Local residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the area."