LONDON 

A British Army soldier is in hospital with serious injuries after being stabbed in Gillingham, Kent.
 

The attack occurred near the soldier's home on Tuesday evening.

The soldier, who was in uniform at the time, was assaulted in Sally Port Gardens. The victim, a man in his 40s, sustained severe injuries and was quickly transported to a local hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

The Home Office has stated that the incident is not being treated as terror-related but as "the result of a mental health episode."

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder approximately 25 minutes after the stabbing. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to understand the motives behind the attack.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his shock and dismay over the incident.

In a post on X, he wrote: "I am shocked and appalled by the news. 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."