A soldier is in a "serious" condition in hospital after being stabbed near to a Kent army barracks in a horror attack."

The victim, aged in his 40s, was set upon in Sally Port Gardens in Gillingham at around 6pm last night (Tues).

The site of the stabbing is close to Brompton Barracks - the home of the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment.

It is understood the soldier was living in military accommodation in the street.

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

A witness described seeing a man pull up on a moped before attacking the soldier - claiming he was stabbed multiple times.

They said: "This was with two kitchen knives, about nine to 10 inches long, and there were about seven of us there who witnessed it."

"The soldier was in uniform. He works at the barracks, lives in Sally Port Gardens and was walking home."

"His wife tried to pull the attacker off. [The attacker] didn't want her though, he just wanted the soldier."

"Nobody else in the vicinity was in danger - the only person he was targeting was the soldier he attacked."

The witness said the attacker then rode off on the moped.

An air ambulance was called out to the nearby Great Lines Heritage Park at about 6.30pm.

Forensic officers have been spotted in the area, and a police helicopter was also seen circling overhead.

In a statement, Kent Police said: "We were called to a report of a serious assault in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham."

"A man in his 40s suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is currently described as serious"

"Officers attended and at about 6.20pm they arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder."

"A cordon is currently in place around the scene of the incident and inquiries to establish the circumstances are ongoing."

"Residents are advised to expect an ongoing police presence in the area."

Police also cordoned off part of Mooring Road in Rochester - about a 10-minute drive from Sally Port Gardens.

Officers were seen examining a moped and a bike helmet in the street.

An Army spokesman 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."

"We will continue to work closely with police to understand what happened and support the investigation."

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