Five men have been arrested after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, sparking a major security operation and the evacuation of about 85 homes.
Gloucestershire Police said officers received a call at around 00:45 BST on Sunday after a resident reported three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the air base.
The men were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation, while bomb disposal specialists were deployed to examine vehicles connected to the incident.
The security operation centred on Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford. Residents from about 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution and taken to a nearby leisure centre.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said police were still working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
RAF Fairford has a significant United States Air Force presence and is regularly used as a forward operating location by the US military.
A US military spokesperson said American officials were working closely with their British counterparts to monitor the situation and protect US personnel, their families and the local community.
US President Donald Trump also spoke about the arrests, saying the five men had been under observation for a long time. He alleged that they were looking to cause “big damage”.
Police have not released the identities of the suspects, and no details have been given publicly about any alleged motive.
Authorities have also not confirmed that the suspects had any direct connection to the US military or the RAF base.
The investigation remains ongoing as counter-terrorism officers and specialist teams continue examining the vehicles and surrounding area.
Leave a comment