A British soldier suffered critical injuries after a brutal knife attack near Brompton Barracks in Chatham, Kent, on Tuesday evening. The assault occurred just before 6pm outside the 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment headquarters.
Kent Police responded quickly to reports of a violent assault at Sally Port Gardens. The soldier, who was wearing full military uniform, was stabbed multiple times by a man armed with two kitchen knives and wearing a ski mask.
Eyewitnesses described a chilling scene. The attacker reportedly chased the soldier and even licked one of the knives after the assault. The soldier’s wife appeared during the attack attempting to intervene but was unharmed. One witness recalled the victim’s severe injuries and efforts to provide first aid immediately on the spot.
A 24-year-old man was swiftly arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police have launched a full investigation and have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, drawing parallels to the 2013 murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby near military barracks.
John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, condemned the attack, calling it “shocking” and emphasising the risks faced daily by military personnel. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the motive remains unclear but has increased security around the base as investigations continue.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of soldiers in public and near military sites. Local leaders and national security officials are collaborating to protect service members and prevent future attacks. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation into this shocking assault.
Originally published by UKNIP.
