24 July 2024 , 06:39
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A soldier has sustained serious injuries in a stabbing near Brompton Barracks between Chatham and Gillingham in Kent today - the knifeman was said to have ’licked’ the blade
The British Army has released a statement after a serving soldier was "repeatedly stabbed" by a barracks today.
They have sadly confirmed a soldier sustained serious injuries in a stabbing near Brompton Barracks between Chatham and Gillingham in Kent.
An Army spokesperson said: “We’re very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack in Chatham, Kent. 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.”
The knifeman was seen carrying two knives as he carried out the attack
The attack is said to have happened as the soldier walked alone outside Brompton Barracks, between Chatham and Gillingham in Kent, at about 6pm today. The attacker is alleged to have been armed with two knives.
Witnesses described hearing a ’blood-curdling scream’ during the alleged assault - with one claiming the ’knifeman ran his finger across the blade and licked it in front of them’. A shocked witness said the knifeman jumped off a moped and sprinted toward the soldier, who is aged in his 40s. A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The masked attacker then started stabbing the soldier repeatedly. According to The Sun, the attacker wore a ski mask and a NASA bomber jacket.
A woman, who is understood to be the victim’s wife, then ran outside and tried to stop the knifeman by attempting to pull him off the soldier. It is reported that the soldier, who was in uniform, managed to get to his feet and stumble in the direction his house which was said to be just 50 yards from the barracks. But the attacker allegedly chased after him and began attacking him a second time.
Brompton Barracks
A witness, who ran to help the soldier, said the victim was left with wounds "all over his body." The witness added: "Part of the soldier’s face was hanging off."
Another witness told Mail Online: "The guy was looking for a soldier to attack. When the guy’s wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn’t even try to hurt her. He only had his sights set on hurting a British soldier."
Kent Police confirmed they were called to a serious assault in Gillingham, adding the victim was a man in his 40s. He was later taken to hospital where his condition was described as serious.
A police spokesperson said following the attack: "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 enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing."
Police added local residents could expect to see a cordon in place at the scene of the attack. Officers are carrying out enquiries to find out what happened as well as to understand the events leading up to the attack.
Police said they were called around 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.
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. A cordon is in place at the scene and an ongoing police presence will be in the area while enquiries continue.