Five Men Arrested Near RAF Fairford on Suspicion of Terrorism and Explosives Offenses
British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England, on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. Army bomb disposal units examined several vehicles at the scene, and residents of nearby Whelford were evacuated to a local leisure center. Counter-terrorism police took over the investigation, and authorities described the situation as "contained."
Police in Gloucestershire declared a major incident in the early hours of Sunday after residents near the village of Whelford, approximately two miles from RAF Fairford, reported three suspicious vans shortly after midnight. Officers arrested five men, who remain in custody; no identifications or confirmed motive have been released.
Aerial footage from Sky News, cited by the Washington Examiner, showed a bomb disposal robot moving between three white vans in a wooded area near the base. CNN reported that the rear doors of two vans were open and large black items were visible nearby. A local resident told CNN that helicopters were heard over the village around 2 a.m., with bomb squad vehicles arriving about an hour later.
Counter Terrorism Policing officer Vicki Evans, quoted by CNN, said investigators were "in the early stages" of the inquiry and were "working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident." Under UK counter-terrorism law, suspects can be held for up to 14 days before being charged. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said the situation "is being dealt with" and thanked emergency and specialist teams. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's office said he was receiving updates.