Gillingham residents will continue to notice an increased police presence in the town this evening (Wednesday 24 July 2024) following the serious assault of a soldier in uniform.
Officers were called to Sally Port Gardens at around 5.55pm on Tuesday 23 July to a report that the victim, a man in his 40s, had suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds.
He was taken to a hospital for treatment and his condition is currently described as serious but stable.
The suspect, a 24-year-old local man, is reported to have left the scene on a motorcycle and at approximately 6.30pm was located and arrested in Mooring Road, Rochester.
He remains in custody pending further enquiries.
Cordons have been set up at both the scene of the incident and the scene of the arrest, and a number of knives have been seized from both locations.
Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley of Kent Police said: ‘We are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this incident and we are exploring a number of lines of enquiry – these include the possibility this incident was mental health-related as well as any links the suspect may have with the location of the assault. The investigation has been supported throughout by Counter Terrorism Policing South East as we work to establish the full circumstances.
