Defense Minister expresses shock at knife attack on soldiers

The Defence Secretary expressed his dismay at the stabbed death of a uniformed soldier near a barracks in Kent.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the soldier was attacked in Gillingham.

On X (formerly Twitter), John Healey wrote: “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 speedy recovery.”

The victim, in his 40s, suffered “serious injuries” in the attack in Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham at 5.55pm on Tuesday.

A woman who lived near the scene of the accident said she was eating dinner with her family when they heard a “tremendous scream.”

When they reached the window, she saw the attacker inflict a final stab wound on a person lying on the ground and then flee on a moped.

She could not tell whether the victim was wearing a military uniform.

“It’s very, very scary,” she said.

The Army declined to comment on reports that the soldier was wearing a uniform at the time.

The victim was flown to hospital by helicopter for treatment.

A witness who rushed to his aid told The Sun newspaper that the attacker was riding a moped before running towards the soldier and stabbing him several times.

The victim had “wounds all over his body,” the witness said, adding: “There was blood everywhere when I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived.”

“When the man’s wife came out and tried to pull the man away, he didn’t even try to hurt her.”

The suspect was arrested at 6.20pm on suspicion of attempted murder, Kent Police said.

The road on which police say the incident occurred is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the 1st Regiment of the British Army’s Royal School of Military Engineering.

An army spokesman said: “We regret to confirm that a soldier has suffered serious injuries in an attack in Chatham, Kent.

“Our thoughts are with the soldier and his family and we ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.

“We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and assist with the investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed the attack or has relevant information should contact Kent Police.”

A statement from Kent Police said: “Investigations have been launched following reports of a serious assault in Gillingham.”

“Kent Police were called at around 5.55pm on Tuesday 23 July 2024 to reports that a man in his 40s had sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds in Sally Port Gardens.

“The victim was taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious.

“Officers arrived at the scene and at approximately 6.20pm a 24-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“The scene of the incident is currently cordoned off and investigations to clarify the circumstances are ongoing.

“Residents must expect a constant police presence in the area.”