Five Men Arrested in Counter-Terrorism Probe Near UK Airbase
Authorities are investigating suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, leading to evacuations and the deployment of bomb disposal teams.
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offenses following a major incident declared at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. Bomb disposal teams were deployed to examine vehicles near the airbase, prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes in the surrounding area.
Local police received a call about three suspicious vehicles approaching RAF Fairford at 12:45 AM BST on Sunday. The five men were subsequently arrested by armed officers near Whelford, a village approximately two miles southeast of the base. A cordon of 400 meters (1,312 feet) was established around the vehicles being examined by bomb disposal units.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, with officers working to understand the full circumstances of the incident. The arrested men, who have not been named, were initially detained under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. They remain in custody.
RAF Fairford is located in the Cotswolds and has a history of use by the American military. In recent times, it has served as a staging post for U.S. warplanes.
Eighty-five households were evacuated, with residents urged to shelter at a nearby leisure center. Some residents reported being woken by police and ordered to leave their homes quickly. Local officials indicated that residents might have to stay away overnight while the area is made safe.
Eyewitnesses described seeing police apprehending suspects and noted the rapid arrival of three vans in the village, which was immediately reported to the police. An image circulating online, verified by BBC Verify as authentic, appears to show the moment of the arrests in Whelford.
