Five UK nationals arrested over suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford

Counter terrorism police arrested five British men near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Sunday morning after reports of three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base. The suspects, all in their twenties and from London, were detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act. About 85 households were evacuated and a cordon was imposed around the site.today.com+1

What police confirmed about the arrests

Counter Terrorism Policing said the five men are UK nationals aged 23 to 25 with home addresses in the London area. They include a 24-year-old from Camden, three men aged 23, 24 and 25 from Westminster, and one aged 24 from Willesden. They were arrested in the village of Whelford on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and Section 5 of the Terrorism Act, which covers preparation of a terrorist act.theguardian.com

Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said the investigation is a hugely complex and large-scale operation. Police said specially trained investigators examined the scene overnight and identified multiple new lines of enquiry. A significant number of resources, including military assets, remained deployed at the location, and a cordon around the site was to be reviewed later on Monday.

Gloucestershire constabulary were alerted at 12:45am on Sunday about three suspicious vans travelling toward RAF Fairford. A local farmer from Whelford spotted the vans and a group of masked men, first calling Ministry of Defence police, who did not answer, then calling 999 at 1.36am. Armed police arrived about 10 minutes later. The farmer told journalists police had dropped the ball.

How the tip-off unfolded

The farmer said she reported hooded and masked men running into the fields and believed her emergency call foiled whatever plans they had. Defence secretary Wes Streeting said she only had a partial picture of events. The farmer responded that her picture was three unusual vehicles parked in the village and unknown men running around, and that no official had been in touch with her since.

A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was considered the most likely, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot were also being examined as possibilities. Iran's embassy in London categorically rejected any suggestion of a link.dailymaverick.co.za

Where the investigation points

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the men arrested were looking to do big damage and that US authorities worked with UK police, saying they had been under view for a long time. Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged people not to speculate. The US Embassy in London warned Americans to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security, saying US-associated facilities may be at heightened risk.

Britain raised its national terrorism threat level to severe from substantial in April after antisemitic incidents in north London, meaning an attack within six months is considered highly likely. In May, Britain sanctioned 12 individuals and entities linked to Iran over hostile activity including plotting attacks. Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in attacks or plots in the UK and elsewhere.

Threat level raised to severe in April

A bomb disposal team examined vehicles in the Whelford area, and a robot was seen operating near three parked white vans. Police had not confirmed which vehicles were being examined. The 400-metre cordon around the base affected about 85 homes, with residents evacuated first to Cirencester leisure centre and then to Cotswold District Council's chambers. Security was also stepped up at other US bases in Britain.

The suspects were held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and a custody extension was approved until later on Monday. Counter Terrorism Policing said it was still working to establish a motive and the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested. The cordon was to be reviewed later on Monday, and police said the public should expect a presence in the area for some time.