A shocking stabbing incident occurred outside Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, Kent, leaving Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton critically injured. The attack, which took place around 6 PM on Tuesday, involved a suspect allegedly known to the victim through familial connections.
According to police reports, the assailant, who was on a moped and wearing a ski mask and a NASA bomber jacket, attacked Lt. Col. Teeton just steps away from his home. The military officer was reportedly stabbed twelve times in the back and neck during the assault which lasted about 20 seconds.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded promptly, and Lt. Col. Teeton was airlifted to the hospital where he remains in serious but stable condition. His wife, who witnessed the attack, attempted to intervene as the assailant repeatedly attacked her husband.
Within half an hour of the incident, police arrested a 24-year-old man from Rochester, who was found two miles away from the scene. The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities have since recovered several knives from the suspect’s residence and have disclosed that the suspect had prior mental health issues and a familial connection to the victim.
Despite the violent nature of the attack, police are currently not treating it as an act of terror but are exploring all possible motives, including mental health-related issues. The incident has drawn widespread attention and concern, highlighted by comments from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Leader of the Opposition Rishi Sunak, both expressing shock and extending their thoughts to the victim and his family.
The local community and military personnel are particularly shaken by the attack, reminiscent in its brutality of the murder of Lee Rigby. Forensic teams continue to investigate the scene at Sally Port Gardens and the surrounding areas, including examining footage from local CCTV cameras which captured the suspect prior to the attack.
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to the public for any additional information that may assist in understanding the full circumstances of this brutal assault. The military community, along with the victim’s family, are receiving support during this challenging time as they await further developments in the case.
