Police issue update into suspected RAF Fairford terror plot as five men arrested

Counter terror police have issued an update into the suspected RAF Fairford terror plot, following the arrest of five men near the base.

They were arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences in the early hours of Sunday morning after armed police stopped three vans travelling towards the site in Gloucestershire, which is a military airbase used by US bombers.

In an update on Monday lunchtime, Counter Terrorism Policing said all five men are British nationals aged in their 20s and from London.

Counter-terrorism police are understood to be investigating if any potential plot could be linked to Iran, which has used proxies to carry out crimes on British soil in the past.

A spokesman said: “At this time, we are working to establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge and any motivation behind this incident.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “This is a hugely complex and large-scale operation, involving local and national policing, the MoD, and local agencies, who are working together to progress the investigation and support for the community.

“I know this has been incredibly disruptive for local people, but I’d like to reassure them that our activity is in the interest of national security, but most importantly in the interest of their own safety.”

She added: “I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised. However, I ask that at this time, Counter Terrorism Policing are given the space to work carefully and clearly.”

The men were arrested in Whelford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday, initially on suspicion of explosives offences and later terrorism.

A farmer in Whelford dialled 999 after she saw three vans and a group of masked men near the base, and dozens of homes had to be evacuated as bomb disposal teams were called in.

On Monday lunchtime she told reporters she does not see herself as a hero.

She said: “To be honest, that’s why I want to be anonymous, it’s not really about that. Any of you, I’d like to think, if you’d seen what I saw, would have done exactly the same.”

“I used to honestly think, it’s so safe living in Whelford because the base was there and they’re keeping an eye on things,” she added.

“But I think perhaps we were all a little bit naive about that.

“Who knew that a farmer would have to roll their sleeves up and report the activity?”

Wes Streeting said the member of the public who phoned police about suspicious activity near RAF Fairford has only “a partial picture” of the situation.

The Defence Secretary told Sky News: “Thank you to that member of the public.

“She has done exactly what we would hope that someone in that extraordinary situation would do.

“I’m really grateful to her – I think she acted, by her own admission, quickly and thoughtfully, and she did the right thing.

“With respect, though, she does only have a partial picture.

“And that’s as far as I wish to go this morning but I do want to emphasise my thanks to the police and the security services because their work takes place often unsung, unreported, for good reason.”