A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed multiple times near an Army barracks.

Police were called just before 6pm on Tuesday to a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham, near Brompton Barracks.

The victim, a soldier in his 40s, suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment, where his condition is currently described as serious.

Police arrested a 24-year-old man at about 6.20pm on suspicion of attempted murder.

KentOnline understands the victim was living in military accommodation in the street.

A witness described seeing a man pull up on a moped before attacking the soldier.

“The attacker was going for him and stabbed him about 12 times," he said.

“This was with two kitchen knives, about nine to 10 inches long, and there were about seven of us there who witnessed it.

“The soldier was in uniform.

“He works at the barracks, lives in Sally Port Gardens and was walking home.

“His wife tried to pull the attacker off. [The attacker] didn’t want her though, he just wanted the soldier.

“Nobody else in the vicinity was in danger - the only person he was targeting was the soldier he attacked."

The witness said the attacker then rode off on the moped.

An air ambulance was called out to the nearby Great Lines Heritage Park at about 6.30pm.

Forensic officers have been spotted in the area, and a police helicopter was also seen circling overhead.

In a statement, police said: “We were called to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.

“A man in his 40s suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is currently described as serious.

“Officers attended and at about 6.20pm they arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

“A cordon is currently in place around the scene of the incident and inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing.

“Residents are advised to expect an ongoing police presence in the area.”

Just after 6pm, police cordoned off part of Mooring Road in Rochester - about a 10-minute drive from Sally Port Gardens.

Officers were seen examining a moped and a bike helmet in the street.

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was shocked to hear of yesterday’s attack.

“My thoughts are with the soldier and his family, who deserve privacy at this difficult time,” he said in a post on X this morning.

“On behalf of the government, I wish him a swift recovery.”

Rochester MP Lauren Edwards also spoke of her shock, saying she was “horrified” by the attack.

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 police to understand what happened and support the investigation.

“Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any relevant information should contact Kent Police.”