Five men have been arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, after police received reports of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the air base.
The men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation.
Armed officers responded to the call at about 12.45am on Sunday, September 27, and arrested the suspects in the nearby village of Whelford. All five remained in custody while officers worked to establish the circumstances of the incident.
A 400-metre cordon was placed around the vehicles as Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined them. About 85 households were evacuated as a precaution, with a nearby leisure centre opened for residents unable to stay with friends or relatives.
Police said the incident was contained and urged the public not to speculate. No details have been released about the men’s identities, nationalities or any possible motive.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody.”
She added that officers were working with Gloucestershire Police and other partners to gather evidence and keep the local community safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said emergency services had “well-rehearsed plans” for major incidents and that residents could expect to see a continued emergency presence in the area.
RAF Fairford is a UK-owned base regularly used by the United States Air Force. It hosts the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and has served as a forward operating base for American long-range bombers.
A US Air Force spokesperson said American and British forces remained vigilant and would take appropriate action to protect US service personnel, civilians, contractors and their families, but declined to discuss specific security measures.
Counter Terrorism Policing has appealed for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the authorities.
