British army officer stabbed in Kent; UK PM Starmer reacts

A British army officer was seriously injured in a stabbing attack nearbarracks in southeast England, according to witnesses and police reports on Wednesday (July 24).

Kent Police confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder shortly after the incident. Authorities said that the attacker acted alone and that the stabbing is not believed to be related to terrorism.

Investigators are exploring whether the suspect's mental health played a role in the attack.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

The officer, in his 40s, sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. He is reported to be in serious but stable condition.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted to the incident and said, "All our thoughts are with the soldier, his family, and our Armed Forces community, who serve to keep all of us safe. I wish him a swift recovery."

Defence Secretary John Healey also condemned the attack and described it as "shocking."

The incident occurred Tuesday (July 23) evening in Gillingham, approximately 30 miles (48.28 kilometres)southeast of London. Witnesses reported that a masked attacker on a motorcycle stabbed the officer before fleeing the scene.

Within half an hour, police arrested a suspect and seized several knives. British police typically do not release the names of suspects until they are formally charged.

Also watch |British Military Might 'Shrinking'

The location of the attack is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

"Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family, and we request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time," the army said in a statement. "We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and support the investigation."

Attacks on soldiers in Britain are rare. In 2013, two men inspired byal-Qaeda murdered 25-year-old soldier Lee Rigby in London by stabbing him to death. The attackers were sentenced to life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)