Five arrested near RAF Fairford in terror plot inquiry
Counter Terrorism Policing said the men were held after officers were called to three suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours of 27 September.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Constabulary and Counter Terrorism Policing have said.
Officers were called in the early hours of 27 September to a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase, which sits on the edge of the village of Whelford.
The five men were arrested in the Whelford area, which backs onto RAF Fairford, initially on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said a 400m cordon had been put in place around the vehicles “while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit examine them”.
Nearby residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution while checks were carried out, and police described the situation as contained.
Fairford has previously been used as a base for B-52 and B-1 bombers involved in strikes on missile sites, according to US Air Force material.
RAF Fairford is used as a forward operating base for the US Air Force’s Global Strike Command and has hosted B-52 and B-1 bombers.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident would be “deeply concerning” for many people and urged the public “not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts”.
Burnham also thanked police and the armed forces for their response, and expressed gratitude to residents who had been evacuated “while precautionary checks are carried out”.
Suspects arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 can be held for up to 14 days without charge, compared with the 24-hour limit that applies to standard arrests without an extension.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation was ongoing and that it would continue to update the public as inquiries progressed.