British Soldier Fighting for Life After Suspected Islamist Attack Outside Brompton Barracks

A British soldier has been airlifted to a hospital following a serious stabbing near an army barracks in Chatham, Kent. The incident occurred around 6 pm on Tuesday evening, less than 200 meters from Brompton Barracks. The injured soldier, who is in his 40s, was discovered in a critical state.

Witnesses recounted a dramatic scene where the attacker, concealed by a ski mask and wearing a NASA bomber jacket, dismounted from a moped and ran towards the uniformed soldier.

The soldier initially evaded his attacker but was pursued and attacked again by the assailant wielding two kitchen knives.

The attacker reportedly brandished one of the bloodied knives and licked it in front of shocked bystanders who had emerged from their homes to assist the soldier.

This incident evokes memories of the tragic murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was killed in a terrorist attack in 2013. Police have not yet ruled out terrorism as a potential motive for this recent attack.

One witness described the chaotic aftermath, saying, “Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived.” The witness added that the attacker appeared to be specifically targeting a soldier, ignoring attempts by the soldier’s wife to intervene.

Reports indicate the wounded officer was walking alone from the barracks in uniform when the attack occurred in broad daylight. Although the motive remains unclear, a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The assault drew immediate attention from local residents, who were alerted by screams on Sally Port Gardens, a quiet residential street where many military families reside. Photos of the alleged attacker show him standing next to a red moped, wearing a ski mask and a bomber jacket with a NASA logo.

Witnesses told The Sun newspaper that the soldier, now in serious condition in the hospital, sustained injuries to his face and body during the violent attack. Social media posts showed a significant emergency response, with police vehicles and forensic officers working within a cordoned area. An air ambulance landed in Great Lines Heritage Park, close to the incident site.

Brompton Barracks, home to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment, has many soldiers living in nearby military family accommodations. Following the attack, soldiers at the base were reportedly restricted from leaving until police confirmed there was no ongoing threat.

Fusilier Lee Rigby, murdered by Islamists, May 2013

The incident has unsettling parallels to the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, who was brutally attacked by Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale in May 2013.

Rigby, wearing a ‘Help for Heroes’ hoodie, was first run over and then attacked with knives and a cleaver in Woolwich.

The attackers, both of whom had converted to Islam, claimed they were avenging Muslims killed by the British Army.

They were eventually subdued by armed police, and both were convicted of murder, receiving life sentences.

Following the recent incident in Gillingham, an Army spokesperson expressed deep concern for the injured soldier and his family, requesting privacy during this difficult time.

The spokesperson confirmed ongoing collaboration with Kent Police to investigate the attack and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The Ministry of Defence also acknowledged awareness of the incident, stating that they could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation by Kent Police. A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed that officers were called to Sally Port Gardens around 5.55 pm on July 23, 2024, in response to a serious assault.

The injured man, in his 40s, was taken to the hospital with stab wounds, his condition currently described as serious. The police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder around 6.20 pm. A cordon remains in place around the scene, and residents have been advised to expect a continued police presence as investigations proceed.