On the night of 27 September, British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire. They are suspected of offences relating to explosives and of planning a terrorist attack. The counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, military bomb disposal experts are searching vehicles, and residents of around 85 households have been advised to evacuate.
Briefly about the main points
- The police responded to a report of three cars heading towards the base.
- Armed law enforcement officers detained the men near the village of Welford.
- A leisure centre has been opened for people who have been displaced from their homes.
- A further five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006.
- Trump suggested there might be plans to cause damage to the base, but the police have not confirmed this.
The operation began following a call during the night reporting three cars
Gloucestershire Police received a report at around 00:45 local time regarding three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase. Armed officers attended the scene. The arrests took place near the village of Welford, not far from the base used by the US military.
A temporary accommodation centre has been opened for local residents
An army unit specialising in the disposal of explosive ordnance was called in to inspect the vehicle. A cordon was set up as a precaution whilst the specialists were carrying out their work.
People who are unable to stay with relatives or friends have been advised to make use of their nearest leisure centre. The police described the incident as ‘contained’ and stated that they are working to ensure residents can return home as soon as possible.
The counter-terrorism police are gathering evidence at the scene
The case is being handled by Counter Terrorism Policing. The detainees are also suspected of preparing a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006; as of the afternoon update on 27 September, they remained in custody.
Senior National Coordinator of the Counter-Terrorism Police Vicky Evans She said that the investigation is at an early stage and that the security forces are gathering evidence. Vehicle checks are ongoing.
Trump’s statement is not the conclusion of the British investigation
President of the United States Donald Trump told journalists that the detainees had allegedly intended to cause RAF Fairford «significant harm» and had previously been under surveillance by the US and British intelligence services. Reuters reported his comments.
An official statement from the British police links the start of the operation to a night-time call reporting suspicious vehicles and makes no mention of any prior surveillance. A spokesperson for the US Air Force stated that the military is taking measures to protect personnel, staff, contractors and their families.
