A British soldier is in critical condition in hospital after being stabbed multiple times outside an Army barracks in Kent. The victim, in his 40s, was attacked around 6pm on Tuesday evening, approximately 200 yards from Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, home to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

Many soldiers residing in the adjacent army family accommodation were affected by the incident. Following the attack, soldiers at the barracks were reportedly confined to the base until police confirmed there was no further threat to personnel.

In a statement released last night, an Army spokesperson said: "We regret 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. 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."

Disturbing details about the attack have emerged, including claims that the assailant licked blood from one of his weapons in front of terrified locals who had rushed out of their homes to assist the serviceman.

One witness told The Sun, "Blood was everywhere as I tried to apply pressure to his wounds until the police arrived. The guy was looking for a soldier to attack. When the guy's wife came out and started trying to pull the guy off he didn't even try to hurt her. He only had his sights set on hurting a British soldier."

Photos of the alleged attacker appear to show him standing next to a red moped, wearing a ski mask and a bomber jacket with the NASA logo on it.