Soldier in serious condition after stabbing near barracks

A man has been arrested

The incident happened on Tuesday evening in Gillingham, near Brompton Barracks, headquarters of the Army's 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment, Sky News reports.

The soldier, who Kent Police said was in his 40s, was airlifted to hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds and is in a serious condition.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Defence secretary John Healey has labelled the incident "shocking" and has wished the soldier a "swift recovery."

An army spokesperson said: "We're very sorry to confirm that a soldier has sustained serious injuries in an attack in Chatham, Kent.

"Our thoughts are with the soldier and their family and we request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

They added: "We will continue to work closely with Kent Police to understand what happened and support the investigation.

"Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has any relevant information should contact Kent Police."

The incident comes 11 years after Lee Rigby was killed near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, southeast London.