Wiltshire Police has dismissed claims made by far-right activist Tommy Robinson about an attack outside a barracks in Tidworth.
The public figure, who was recently released from prison after committing contempt of court, posted about a jihadi who alleged made threats towards the armed forces.
In the same post, which was made to his 1.3 million followers on X, he claimed that “at least one soldier has been attacked with a Stanley blade this evening outside barracks in Tidworth”.
Wiltshire Police said it is aware of the incident – but it is “not as described” on social media.
The force stated that it involved a dog walker in a woodland in the Perham Down down area, and it did not occur outside a barracks in Tidworth as suggested by Robinson.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware of social media posts which refer to an incident which took place near Tidworth yesterday afternoon (6 June).
“Please be assured that we are aware of the incident and it is not as described.
“At around 3.45pm yesterday (6 June), we received a report that an unknown suspect had approached a man walking a dog in woodland near Perham Down and attempted to snatch the lead of the dog.
“The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered a minor injury to his face during the incident.
“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
There has been no official confirmation of any threat to the armed forces, and police have made no mention of a blade or terrorist connection. The statement also doesn’t confirm any arrests.
Authorities have not confirmed any link between the victim and the military.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been convicted for contempt of court and spreading false information. He has a history of publishing inflammatory content on social media.
Wiltshire Police are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or making a report on their website.
