Armed Guards Warned Cricket Players of 'Live Incident' Hours Before Terror Plot Arrests Near RAF Fairford
Security was heightened at the US-linked airbase following intelligence suggesting a possible attack, leading to an evacuation and subsequent arrests of five men from London.
Armed guards ordered a family playing cricket to leave an area near RAF Fairford on Saturday afternoon, citing a 'live incident,' a warning issued eight hours before five men were arrested over a suspected terror plot. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. as security at the US-linked airbase was increased due to intelligence indicating a potential attack.
One of the cricketers told The Sun that two guards approached the fence with firearms and instructed them to leave, stating, "You can't be here. There is a live incident going on. It's not safe."
The warning preceded a 999 call made at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday by a resident of the nearby village of Whelford, who reported seeing masked men and three suspicious vans. This led to a significant armed police response around the Gloucestershire base.
Subsequently, five British nationals, all in their twenties and from London, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses and the preparation of a terrorist act. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that the vehicles were subjected to extensive examination with military and forensic support. No improvised explosive devices were found, though a quantity of petrol was recovered from the vehicles.
The account of the cricket match emerges amid heightened security concerns surrounding RAF Fairford, which has been utilized by U.S. forces for military operations. The base was already considered a potential target due to escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Residents in the vicinity of Dunfield reported hearing a public-address announcement from within the base on Saturday evening, followed by the apparent absence of staff. One resident expressed frustration and fear regarding the perceived lack of communication from the base and UK authorities.
Families associated with the base reportedly left during the emergency and have since been permitted to return only to collect belongings.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American authorities had been monitoring the suspects for an extended period, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the possible involvement of a foreign actor. British counter-terrorism officials, however, are maintaining an open mind and are investigating all potential angles, including foreign state involvement.
All five men initially arrested were released on police bail, subject to strict conditions concerning their movement and contact. The investigation expanded when a sixth suspect, a 25-year-old dual British-Iranian national, was arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts. Searches were conducted at two properties in the area.
This sixth suspect was also released on police bail. Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. Approximately 85 households in Whelford were evacuated during the initial police operation, and a wide cordon was established as bomb disposal experts examined the three vans.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the suspects were planning an attack on RAF Fairford or the intended use of the petrol found in the vehicles. The base had been on high alert following intelligence that an attack might be possible.