Soldier stabbed near Kent barracks in serious but stable condition, say police

The police confiscated several knives after a British soldier in uniform was attacked with a blade near a barracks in Kent.

People who saw what happened said they heard loud cries when a man in his forties was stabbed multiple times close to his house in Gillingham, right before 6pm on Tuesday. The attacker was wearing a mask and escaped on a moped.

A young man, age 24, was taken into custody by Kent police in Rochester around 6.30pm for allegedly trying to commit murder. Authorities believe the incident is not connected to terrorism and suspect that the individual might be dealing with mental health issues.

A home security camera recorded the scene following the soldier's stabbing in Sally Port Gardens, located near Brompton Barracks, the base of the army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

In the video lasting 21 seconds, a woman can be heard shouting, "What are you doing? Why are you doing this?"

Alex Reynolds, who resides across from where the incident took place, described the cries as coming from deep within the woman's body, very sharp and disturbing. He went outside and saw a soldier in uniform with a visible trail of blood coming from his body.

"We initially thought it was just a fight, but then we heard the loud screams," he said. "I went to see what was happening about a minute and a half later. By that time, there were already around 10 people gathered around the body. It seemed like he had already died because he was completely motionless. He was wearing a full creamy camouflage suit, and he was the only one at the scene dressed in military attire."

It occurred right by the entrance of his residence. There was a path of blood surrounding the soldier.

Natasha Reynolds, who is his partner, said: "One of his coworkers mentioned to us that he usually gets home around six o'clock, so he must have been on his way back from work. We heard someone screaming... I think it was the victim's wife who was screaming."

One person who saw what happened said they heard the officer's spouse mention that her husband had been stabbed. She also asked if there was someone who could help provide medical assistance. Another witness mentioned that the woman attempted to pull the person who attacked her husband away.

A person who saw what happened shared that they were having dinner with their family when they suddenly heard a loud scream. They described the experience as extremely frightening.

The leader of the military, General Sir Roly Walker, called the stabbing "terrible and without reason," while the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, expressed being "surprised and disgusted."

In a recent announcement on Wednesday, the Kent police reported that the military personnel, who was transported by helicopter to the hospital, was in a critical but stable state.

Kent police reported that they had set up boundaries around the area where the event occurred and where the person was arrested. Additionally, they confirmed that several knives were confiscated from both places.

Ch Supt Richard Woolley stated: "This was a distressing event for everyone involved, and our thoughts are with the victim, their family, and those who were present during the incident."

"Residents in Gillingham can expect more police officers in the area, and I want to let everyone know that the police acted swiftly to apprehend a man. As of now, we do not think anyone else was involved."

Woolley stated that the police are investigating several leads. They are looking into the possibility that the incident may be related to mental health issues, and any connections the suspect may have to the assault location. The investigation has received assistance from counter terrorism policing south east as they try to determine the complete circumstances.

The police confirmed that they still believe the suspect acted alone and there is no new information indicating any additional danger to the community, including the military. They stated that since the suspect has been held for over a day, they have been granted an extension to continue investigating the incident.

Earlier, the authorities stated that the person accused of the attack apparently fled on a motorbike but was apprehended on Mooring Road in Rochester half an hour later. A local resident, who chose to remain anonymous, reported seeing the suspect in restraints and noted that he seemed composed and peaceful with no signs of resistance.

A military representative expressed regret in announcing that a soldier was seriously hurt in an assault.

We are sending our thoughts to the soldier and their family and we ask that everyone respects their privacy during this tough time. We will keep cooperating with Kent police to figure out what happened and assist with the investigation. Anyone who saw the assault or has any useful information should get in touch with Kent police.