Man held on suspicion of attempted murder after soldier stabbed in Kent
ITV News Correspondent Neil Connery explains what we know so far about the attack
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a uniformed Army officer was repeatedly stabbed in Kent.
Police said a 24-year-old man, who may have mental health problems, was apprehended around 30 minutes after the incident, which took place in Sally Port Gardens, in Gillingham.
Kent Police said as the suspect has now been in custody for more than 24 hours, officers have been granted more time to question him.
A number of knives have been recovered from the scene, and the incident is not believed to be terror-related, according to investigators.
In an update on Wednesday, police said a serviceman, aged in his 40s, is in a serious but stable condition.
Head of the Army General Sir Roly Walker condemned the stabbing as "horrific and unprovoked", while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and appalled".
Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley said: "This was an upsetting incident for all concerned and our best wishes go to the victim, his family and those who witnessed the incident.
"Residents will experience an increased police presence in the Gillingham area, and I would like to reassure everyone that officers responded quickly to take a man into custody and we do not currently believe anyone else was involved.
"The motivation for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of our ongoing inquiries, although we are exploring the possibility that it may be mental health-related. We are also investigating any possible links between the location and the suspect.
"There is no further information at this time to suggest there are any wider threats to the local community including members of the armed forces."
Shocked witnesses described hearing screams as the attack was carried out by a masked man, who fled the scene on a moped.
Alex Reynolds, 38, who lives near the scene, said he heard screams and went outside to see a man wearing a cream camouflage military uniform lying on the ground, surrounded by people trying to help.
Mr Reynolds' Ring doorbell footage captured the screams, with someone heard shouting: "What the hell are you doing?"
Another witness, who rushed to the victim's aid, told The Sun newspaper the attacker ran at the soldier and stabbed him repeatedly.
The victim had "wounds all over his body", the witness said, adding: "Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived.
"When the guy's wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn't even try to hurt her."
Lauren Edwards, Labour MP for Rochester and Strood, is asking people not to speculate following the attack
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the "appalling attack", telling broadcasters she wished the serviceman and his family a "speedy recovery".
She said: "I am being kept updated on the investigation and I hope everyone will support Kent Police in their investigation into this serious crime."
Sir Roly, who is chief of the General Staff, said in a post on X: "I am deeply saddened by the horrific and unprovoked attack on an officer yesterday.
"Our armed forces make extraordinary sacrifices to defend our nation and deserve to be respected.
"My thoughts and best wishes are with him and his family. They have the full support of the chain of command as they recover from this horrendous incident."
'This is an appalling attack on a serving soldier,' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told broadcasters
Kent Police said the suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at 6.20pm.
The road where police said the incident took place is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.
An Army spokesman 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."
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