Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his shock and disgust at the unprovoked attack on a British soldier that occurred on Tuesday.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a serious assault on a uniformed army officer in Gillingham, Kent.
The man, Anthony Esan, is set to appear in court on Thursday for the attack on the soldier, who holds the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Esan is also facing charges for possessing an offensive weapon in public.
Police in Kent responded to a call at Sally Port Gardens on Tuesday evening after reports of a soldier in uniform being stabbed multiple times by a man on a moped. Esan, a local resident, left the scene on a moped and was later arrested.
The victim, a 40-year-old man whose identity has not been disclosed, was airlifted to a hospital with serious but stable injuries. Police have secured the area of the incident and arrest and have seized several knives.
The Ministry of Defence stated that armed personnel are stationed at Brompton Barracks, and security measures will be adjusted as needed.
Although the motive behind the attack is unknown at this point, authorities have ruled out terrorism as a factor.
Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley assured residents of increased police presence in Gillingham and emphasized that there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the local community, including the armed forces.
Woolley mentioned that the motive for the attack is under investigation, with mental health being considered as a potential factor. The incident is being treated as an isolated one.
The army spokesperson extended sympathies to the wounded soldier and family members, urging privacy for the affected individual. The army pledged to collaborate closely with the police in the ongoing investigation.
Starmer ‘Shocked’ by the Attack
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his shock and condemnation regarding the soldier’s assault. In a post on X, he offered well wishes for the soldier’s recovery and expressed solidarity with the armed forces community.
John Healey, secretary of state for defence, also conveyed his shock at the incident and wished the victim a speedy recovery.
Screams Heard by Witnesses
The attack took place near Brompton Barracks, where witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing the victim in a military uniform lying on the ground. Footage from a nearby Ring doorbell captured the commotion.
Residents in the vicinity recounted hearing a scream and witnessing the attacker flee on a moped after inflicting a final stab wound on the victim.
The suspect is currently in police custody.
PA Media contributed to this report.
