Kent: Knives seized after Army officer stabbed

Witness Alex Reynolds said that he heard disturbing screams.

A member of the British Army was attacked with a knife close to the military base in Kent and is currently in the hospital in a serious but stable state, according to authorities.

The soldier in his 40s was not in uniform when he was attacked close to his house on Tuesday in Gillingham. Shortly after the incident, a 24-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder.

The Home Office has suggested that the stabbing incident is not connected to terrorism.

The authorities have confirmed that several knives were found at the location where the incident took place. They are considering the possibility that the incident could have been linked to mental health issues.

Officers have been granted more time to hold the suspect in custody, allowing them to continue their investigations, according to Kent Police.

The soldier was assaulted shortly before 6:00 PM British Summer Time in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.

Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley of Kent Police stated that they are still investigating the potential motive behind the attack, with a focus on the possibility of mental health being a factor.

We are also exploring any potential connections between where the incident occurred and the person of interest.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his dismay and disgust on X.

Afterwards, he addressed the Members of Parliament and said: "We are thinking of [the soldier], his family, and our military personnel, who work to protect our security.

We hope he gets better quickly.

A forensic investigator and detection dog are searching the area where a scooter was halted.

The knife attack occurred close to Brompton Barracks, which is where the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment is based.

A lady who lives close to the area explained that she was having dinner with her family when they suddenly heard a loud scream.

When they reached the window, she explained that they witnessed the assailant delivering a last stab to someone on the floor before escaping on a motorbike.

"It's extremely alarming," she stated.

A nearby resident also heard the officer's wife shout, "Help! My husband has been stabbed. Is there anyone who can provide medical assistance?"

The leader of the Army, General Sir Roly Walker, expressed his sorrow over the terrible and unexpected assault.

Families mentioned hearing cries while they were having their meal.

The Army expressed deep regret in confirming that a soldier has suffered severe injuries in an assault.

"We are sending our condolences to the soldier and their loved ones and we kindly ask that their privacy be honored during this challenging period," a representative stated.