Residents Near RAF Fairford Felt 'Like Sitting Ducks' Amid Counter-Terrorism Probe

Residents living near RAF Fairford, a base operated by the US military, have described feeling like "sitting ducks" following a major counter-terrorism investigation that led to the evacuation of 85 homes. Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three vans were spotted near the Gloucestershire airbase.

Gloucestershire Constabulary received a call about the suspicious vehicles at 00:45 BST on Sunday. A 400m (1,312ft) cordon was established, and a bomb disposal team was deployed. Counter Terrorism Policing later confirmed that a quantity of petrol, but no explosive devices, had been found during searches. The five men, all UK nationals in their early 20s from London, were released on bail as part of the ongoing investigation.

Uneasiness and Lack of Information

Some residents reported noticing an "uneasiness in the air" in the days leading up to the incident, along with increased security measures around the airbase. However, they felt that locals were not informed about the situation until it was actively unfolding.

One Whelford resident stated, "We were left feeling like sitting ducks in whatever operation was unfolding." She added that the lack of communication and perceived lack of care towards locals from the nearby military base was the most concerning aspect. Despite this, she praised the response of local authorities as "incredible," describing officers as "calm, thorough and precise" and "very warm, caring and efficient in any interaction so far."

A couple who were evacuated from their home claimed that armed police pointed guns at them when the husband stepped outside. The pair, who were not named, said they and their child were briefly trapped inside their home before escaping through a neighbour's property. They expressed anger over the absence of communication from authorities in the days prior and the lack of reassurance afterward, questioning the safety of their homes after the arrested individuals were released on bail.

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth of Gloucestershire Constabulary explained that the force was limited in what information could be shared due to the live investigation. She assured that multiple information points would be set up in the area to offer reassurance and address concerns, noting an increased visibility around the communities affected by the incident.

Neighbouring Communities' Concerns

Residents in Marston Meysey, a village immediately south-west of the airbase in Wiltshire, expressed a desire for similar security attention and communication from Wiltshire Police as they observe from the Ministry of Defence and Gloucestershire Police. A local resident, speaking on behalf of the Marston Meysey parish meeting, stated, "We wish there was a bit more information so we could put this to bed, but there's very little. We would welcome regular updates that affect us."

Wiltshire Police neighbourhood Inspector Lawrence Copeland acknowledged the concerns of the "small, tight-knit community" and stated that neighbourhood teams conduct regular patrols, with an enhanced presence expected in the coming days. He encouraged residents with questions or concerns to approach officers.

The cordon established near the airbase was lifted on Wednesday afternoon. However, some residents described an "eerily quiet atmosphere" in the wake of the incident, with ongoing police, drone, and forensic activity. The temporary chief constable encouraged the public to contact the police if they witness any suspicious activity.