A man accused of trying to stab a uniformed soldier to death in the street is expected to stand trial in January.

Anthony Esan faces charges of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the attack on Lt Col Mark Teeton near Brompton Barracks in Gillingham on July 23.

The soldier, who is in his 40s, was knifed several times as he walked along Sally Port Gardens at about 6pm with his wife.

He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. However, four weeks on from the alleged murder bid he has been discharged.

Esan, 24, of Mooring Road, Rochester, was arrested by police about 30 minutes after the stabbing.

During a hearing today at Maidstone Crown Court (August 22), with prosecutor Alison Morgan KC and defence counsel Tom Stern, arraignment on the charges was adjourned by Judge Philip St.John-Stevens until September 23.

Esan's trial was however fixed to start on January 20. It is expected to last three weeks and will be heard by a High Court judge.

Lt Col Teeton is believed to have been living in military accommodation in Sally Port Gardens, which is just a few minutes' walk from the barracks - home to the Royal School of Military Engineering.

A witness told KentOnline that a man pulled up on a moped shortly before the soldier was attacked.

Emergency services called to the scene included the air ambulance and police helicopter, while the investigation included support from counter-terrorism officers.

Lt Col Teeton was later described as "very friendly and a very nice guy", with an Army spokesman confirming the attack and requesting the family's privacy be respected at "this difficult time".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also spoke of the incident in the Commons the following day, stating: "I know the whole house will be shocked by the news that a soldier has been attacked in Kent.

"Our thoughts are with him, his family and our Armed Forces who serve to keep us safe and we wish him a swift recovery.”