In a shocking incident in southeast England, a masked attacker on a motorcycle stabbed a British army officer in broad daylight near a barracks. The 24-year-old assailant was swiftly arrested on suspicion of attempted murder by Kent police.
Authorities have clarified that the attack was carried out by a lone individual and is not being treated as an act of terrorism. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the incident may be linked to the suspect's mental health.
The victim, a soldier in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical care. While his condition is serious, he is reported to be stable.
Political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defense Secretary John Healey, have expressed shock and concern over the attack, extending their thoughts to the injured soldier and his family.
The assault took place in the town of Gillingham, with witnesses recounting how the attacker, donning a ski mask, swiftly approached the soldier on a motorbike before fleeing the scene. Prompt police response led to the arrest of a suspect within half an hour, with the recovery of several knives.
The incident occurred near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment. The area was cordoned off by law enforcement for investigation.
Notably, attacks on soldiers in Britain are rare, with the last high-profile incident being the 2013 killing of soldier Lee Rigby in London. The perpetrators of that attack were sentenced to life imprisonment.
The British Army has issued a statement expressing solidarity with the injured soldier and his family, urging privacy and cooperation with the ongoing investigation alongside Kent Police.
