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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed in a bloody attack near a home followed by a “huge scream”. army Barracks exist Kent.
Locals rushed to help the soldier, who was in his 40s. Gillingham He was stabbed by a masked knifeman who fled the scene on a moped on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim was found at Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham with serious injuries consistent with stab wounds at around 5.55pm.
Police have since arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.
A woman who lives near the scene described the incident as “very, very scary” and said she was sitting down to eat with her family when she heard a “huge scream”.
When they reached the window, she saw one attacker deliver a final stab wound to a man lying on the ground before fleeing on a moped – although she could not see clearly whether the victim was wearing a military uniform.
The Army declined to comment on reports that the soldier, who was airlifted to hospital for treatment, was in uniform at the time.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “shocked and appalled” by the incident. He wrote on X: “Our whole hearts go out to this soldier, his family and our armed forces community who are committed to keeping us all safe. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said it was “devastating to hear of the attack on a soldier in Kent”, adding: “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 incident took place near Brompton Barracks, the historic home of the Royal Engineers. Sallyport Gardens Road is home to the Lampard Centre, a community for soldiers and their families.
Another witness who rushed to the rescue told The Sun the attacker ran at the soldier and stabbed him multiple times.
The witness said the victim was “covered in wounds”, adding: “It wasn’t until the police arrived that I tried to apply pressure to his wounds and there was blood everywhere.
“When the guy’s wife came out and tried to pull him off, he didn’t even try to hurt her.”
Kent Police said the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm.
Police said the road where the incident occurred is close to Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army’s 1st Royal Military Engineers Regiment.
An Army spokesman said: “We are very sorry to confirm that a soldier has been seriously injured in the attack in Chatham, Kent.
“Our thoughts are with this soldier and their family, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy during 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 has any information is asked to contact Kent Police.”
Kent Police said in a statement: “We have launched an investigation following reports of a serious assault in Gillingham.
“At around 5.55pm on Tuesday 23 July 2024, Kent Police were called to reports that a man in his 40s had suffered injuries consistent with a stab wound in Sally Port Gardens.
“The victim has been taken to hospital and is in a serious condition.
Officers arrived at the scene and at approximately 6:20 p.m., a 24-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
“At present, a cordon has been set up around the scene of the incident and the relevant situation is under investigation.
“Local residents will see a continued police presence in the area.”
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