British Army Officer Stabbed in Gillingham: A Shocking Incident

A British Army officer was stabbed multiple times near his home in Gillingham, Kent, on Tuesday evening. The attack took place just before 6 p.m. in Sally Port Gardens, close to Brompton Barracks, where the soldier was returning from work.

Witnesses were horrified as they described hearing screams during the brutal assault. A masked attacker reportedly fled the scene on a moped after stabbing the victim, a man in his 40s.

Shortly after the incident, a 24-year-old man was arrested about two miles away in Rochester on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities stated that the attack is not being treated as terror-related, and there are indications it might be linked to mental health issues.

Doorbell camera footage captured chilling moments following the stabbing, with a woman heard screaming for help. One local resident, Alex Reynolds, shared the distressing scene he encountered, noting the soldier was left with a significant amount of blood around him.

According to witnesses, the victim’s wife was at the scene, desperately seeking help and pleading for first aiders. Another local described the attack as terrifying, stating they witnessed the final moments of the assault through their window.

In the wake of the attack, Gen Sir Roly Walker, head of the Army, expressed his sadness over the incident, describing it as “horrific and unprovoked.” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also voiced his shock and concern for the soldier and his family.

The injured officer was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he was reported to be in serious but stable condition. Kent police have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community and emphasized that investigations are continuing.

Police officers have increased their presence in the area to provide reassurance to residents. They have also recovered several knives from the scene as part of their investigation.