- Author, Jonathan Beale
- Role, BBC Defence Correspondent
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A British Army soldier has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed in Kent.
The soldier – aged in his 40s according to police – was in uniform when he was attacked near his home on Tuesday evening, a defence source confirmed to the BBC.
Police said they were called to a “serious assault” at around 17:55 BST in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.
A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at around 6:20 p.m.
The road where police say the stabbing took place is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army’s 1st Regiment Royal School of Military Engineering.
Kent Police said the victim suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to hospital.
He is in serious condition, they added.
An army statement sent to the BBC referred to the location of the attack as Chatham, which is close to Gillingham.
“We are very sorry to confirm that a soldier has been seriously injured in an attack in Chatham, Kent,” an army spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the soldier and his family and we ask 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 has relevant information should contact Kent Police.”
A Kent Police spokesman added: “A cordon is currently in place around the scene of the incident and enquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing.
“Residents are advised to expect a continued police presence in the area.”
