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Kent soldier stabbing: man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Kent soldier stabbing: man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder
(about 1 hour later)
Serviceman in his 40s sustains ‘serious injuries’ during attack near Brompton barracks in Gillingham, says army, with police detaining 24-year-old suspectServiceman in his 40s sustains ‘serious injuries’ during attack near Brompton barracks in Gillingham, says army, with police detaining 24-year-old suspect
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed in Kent. A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed in Kent, reportedly while wearing his uniform.
The victim, in his 40s, sustained “serious injuries” during the attack, an army spokesperson said.The victim, in his 40s, sustained “serious injuries” during the attack, an army spokesperson said.
Police said they were called about 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham. The victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was airlifted to hospital for treatment. Police said they were called at about 5.55pm on Tuesday to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham. The victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm, Kent police said.A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm, Kent police said.
The road where police said the incident occurred is located near to Brompton barracks, the headquarters of the British army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment. The road where police said the incident occurred is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
Whitehall sources said they do not believe the attack to be terror-related.
An army spokesperson said they were “very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack”.An army spokesperson said they were “very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack”.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family and we request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time. “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.”
“We will continue to work closely with Kent police to understand what happened and support the investigation. They declined to comment on reports that the soldier was in uniform at the time.
“Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any relevant information should contact Kent police.” A witness, who rushed to the soldier’s aid, told the Sun newspaper the attacker had been on a moped before running at the soldier and stabbing him repeatedly.
A cordon was in place at the scene and an ongoing police presence would be in the area while inquiries continued, police said. The victim had “wounds all over his body”, the witness said, adding: “Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived. When the guy’s wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn’t even try to hurt her.”
A Kent police statement 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 inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing. Local residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the area.”