‘Masked knifeman’ charged after soldier stabbed multiple times in 20-second horror attack outside barracks
A “KNIFEMAN” has been charged after a soldier was stabbed multiple times in a 20-second horror attack outside an Army baracks.
Piercing screams were heard as the squaddie was attacked near his home by a man allegedly wielding two ten-inch blades.
The soldier was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition following the rampage near Brompton Barracks in Gillingham, Kent.
Police have today charged Anthony Esan with attempted murder over the July 23 bloodbath.
The 24-year-old was arrested near his home address in Mooring Road, Rochester.
He has now been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Esan is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday July 25.
The horror unfolded on Sally Port Gardens as the alleged knifeman used two blades to repeatedly stab the British soldier.
“Blood-curdling” screams pierced the air as the victim’s wife rushed out of their home to help her husband, who is understood to have been in full uniform.
The squaddie managed to get back on his feet and stagger towards his house before the alleged attacker launched into a second savage assault.
Officers later arrested a 24-year-old man in Rochester, Kent, after he fled the scene on a motorbike.
Acting Chief Superintendent Richard Woolley, of Kent Police, added: “‘This was an upsetting incident for all concerned and our best wishes go to the victim, his family and those who witnessed the incident.
“Residents will experience an increased police presence in the Gillingham area and I would like to reassure everyone that officers responded quickly to take a man into custody and we do not currently believe anyone else was involved.
“The motivation for the attack is currently unknown and forms part of our ongoing enquiries, although we are exploring the possibility that it may be mental health-related.
“We are also investigating any possible links between the location and the suspect.
“There is no further information at this time to suggest there are any wider threats to the local community including members of the armed forces.”
