Brompton Barracks stabbing: Suspect named for first time after soldier knifed '12 times'

A 24-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder (Image: PA)

A man has been charged with the attempted murder of a uniformed Army officer who was stabbed repeatedly near a barracks in Kent.

Anthony Esan, 24, has been named as the suspect in the horrific attack outside Brompton Barracks in Gillingham on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses heard screams before rushing out onto the street to finding the soldier, who is aged in his 40s, lifeless on the floor.

His wife witnessed the horrendous attack and was heard desperating shouting for help on ring doorbell footage. 

Police rushed to the scene on Sally Port Gardens shortly before 6pm, but the alleged attacker had already sped away on a motorbike.

He was apprehended a short while later on Mooring Road, Rochester.

Kent Police say the victim remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Kent Police said: “Detectives investigating the serious assault of a soldier in Gillingham have charged a man with attempted murder.

“Kent Police was called to Sally Port Gardens at around 5.55pm on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 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.

“Anthony Esan, 24, was arrested near his home address in Mooring Road, Rochester, at approximately 6.30pm the same day and 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 on Thursday, July 25.”