Five arrested on explosives and terrorism offences in RAF Fairford operation

FIVE men were arrested near RAF Fairford today on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after they were reported travelling towards the airbase. Three “suspicious vehicles” were reported to police at around 12.45am, with armed officers arresting the men in the Whelford area under the Explosives Act before further arresting them on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. About 85 households were evacuated near the Gloucestershire base, which is used by the US Air Force (USAF). A major incident was declared, with a Hazardous Area Response Team establishing a 400-metre cordon. Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting three white vans with open rear doors and black barrels scattered nearby. Counter Terrorism Policing senior national co-ordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation and five men remain in custody. “As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident. “We continue to work with Gloucestershire Police to keep the community safe as we work to gather evidence from the scene.” A resident living near the base’s perimeter, who asked not to be identified, said security had visibly increased in recent weeks, with heavy vehicles and concrete barriers placed behind gates. Investigators will be working to analyse any devices seized from those arrested to establish details of any plot and potential motivation. Gloucestershire Police said: “The army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles. “A cordon is currently in place, but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.” A USAF spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing “remain vigilant” but declined to discuss specific security measures. RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk was confirmed to be on Charlie alert, the second-highest US threat level, following RAF Fairford being raised to the highest level, Delta. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the incident was “being dealt with,” thanking emergency teams for acting “so swiftly.” A government spokesperson echoed the gratitude but said it “would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.” In March, after then-prime minister Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from British bases, four US bombers landed at RAF Fairford for “specific defensive operations.” Peace activists and trade unionists to gather at RAF Fairford to protest against US bombers taking off from Britain to strike Iran