Man, 24, charged with attempted murder after soldier stabbed near Army barracks

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a soldier was stabbed near an Army barracks in Kent.

An Army officer was attacked near Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, Kent just before 6pm on Tuesday.

Anthony Esan, 24, was arrested near his home address in Rochester about four miles away, at approximately 6.30pm that evening.

He has now been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

The victim, a Lieutenant Colonel who is in his 40s and was in uniform at the time of the attack, was taken to a hospital for treatment.

His condition is currently described as serious but stable.

Sally Port Gardens where police said the incident took place is near Brompton Barracks, the headquarters of the British Army’s 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

Keir Starmer condemned the attack, writing on social media: “I am shocked and appalled by the news that a soldier has been attacked in Kent.

“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.”

The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker, said he was “deeply saddened” by the attack.

Defence Secretary John Healey wrote: “Shocking to hear of an attack on a soldier in Kent. My thoughts are with the soldier and his family, who deserve privacy at this difficult time. On behalf of the Government, I wish him a swift recovery.”

(This story is being updated)