Five men have been arrested in a major incident near RAF Fairford, a UK air base used by the US Air Force, which is being investigated by British counter-terrorism police.
Police said they were notified at about 12:45 a.m. on September 27 that there were three vehicles that were suspicious and were allegedly proceeding towards the air base. Armed officers went to the nearby village of Whelford and arrested five men.
The two were arrested on Explosives Act charges. They were later also arrested for suspected preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act, Counter Terrorism Policing said.
Police have not publicly named suspects or revealed a possible motive; the investigation is at an early stage. Authorities also have encouraged the public to not speculate as evidence is being investigated.
Army EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) experts were brought in to check the vehicles. A 400-metre cordon was placed around them and emergency personnel were on the scene.
Some 85 households were evacuated in Whelford as a precaution. Residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre and the security operation continued. The incident was believed to be contained, police said.
American military operations related to the conflict with Iran have made RAF Fairford strategically important and it serves as a home for the United States Air Force. The B-1B Lancer bomber was spotted at the base Sunday during the security operation.
It resulted in a significant emergency response in the vicinity, with armed police deployed, bomb disposal units and other specialist teams. Local authorities stated that they were trying to get evacuated people back into their homes as soon as it was safe.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing, in conjunction with Gloucestershire Police. Police have urged anyone with information that may help them with the probe to reach the UK’s official counter-terrorism reporting lines.
It is not known if the arrests are connected to a planned attack on RAF Fairford or another target. The investigation and forensic examination of the vehicles continues.
