Five men arrested over suspected plot near RAF Fairford
Police say the incident near the Gloucestershire base was contained. About 85 households in nearby Whelford were advised to evacuate.
Five men have been arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The arrests followed reports from residents of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the base, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police said the men were first arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They remain in custody. Authorities have not disclosed their identities, where they are being held or what was in the vehicles.
About 85 households in nearby Whelford were advised to evacuate. Police said the incident was contained; Gloucestershire police’s temporary chief constable also said she believed it was contained.
RAF Fairford hosts a US Air Force unit and was used by US forces during strikes on Iran, according to Al Jazeera. Authorities have not said whether the suspects were connected to Iran. Defence Minister Wes Streeting cautioned against speculation.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects were “looking to do big damage” at the base. The supplied reporting does not independently establish their alleged intentions, and police have not detailed a plan or said whether they are seeking further suspects.
