The investigation into an alleged terror plot against RAF Fairford has taken a series of unexpected turns, leaving the public puzzled. All five suspects have been released on bail, and President Donald Trump has made comments that contradict the cautious approach of the UK government.
Farmer's 999 call
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a female farmer in her 50s spotted "three suspicious vans" near her home in the Gloucestershire hamlet of Whelford. Aware that RAF Fairford has recently been used by US warplanes as a staging post for defensive strikes on Iran, she called the Ministry of Defence, but when the line rang out, she dialled 999.
The farmer, who was driving home from a party with a friend, told of how the five men fled the scene, possibly dazzled by her bright headlights. She expressed bewilderment that it took a "plucky" amateur to raise the alarm. She later remarked: "I am absolutely staggered that it was left to me, as a member of the public, to see and report this."
Suspect's own call
However, it emerged that officers swooped on RAF Fairford after a suspect allegedly dialled 999 himself at 12:45 am, nearly one hour before the farmer's call. The five British nationals, all in their 20s and from London, were arrested on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act and preparing a terrorist act. Around 85 homes were evacuated, and a 400-metre cordon was placed around the village.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, confirmed that no improvised explosive devices had been found, but officers recovered "a quantity of petrol" from the vans. He stated: "A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning due to a range of information that we received. This included a call from the member of public about several vehicles acting suspiciously close to RAF Fairford."
Bail decision
All five suspects, between 23 and 25, have been released on bail, remaining under investigation and "subject to stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others." Assistant Commissioner Taylor said: "The safety of the public is at the forefront of our investigative decision-making, and this was certainly the case yesterday. I understand why this development was surprising to some, but I would like to reiterate that this is an investigative decision and one which is grounded in experience and strategy."
The investigation remains ongoing, with counter-terrorist officers examining whether there could be a link to a foreign government, bearing in mind the ongoing US conflict with Iran. Iran has faced accusations of being behind attacks on Jewish businesses and religious sites, but London's Iranian Embassy has stated that it "categorically rejects and strongly condemns recent unfounded and malicious speculations" of any involvement.
Trump's remarks
President Donald Trump was quick to speak out after the arrests, claiming that Washington and London had been working together to foil the alleged plot. He said: "It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great."
Following the bail announcement, Trump told the press he was "disappointed" by the decision, adding that Iran could have been involved in the suspected plot, "but would rather not say". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the incident "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor", but didn't provide evidence. The US military has stated that it is "working closely" with British counterparts to monitor the situation, and it's understood that all other US bases have been placed on Delta alert, the highest threat level Washington's Department of Defence can issue.
Partial picture
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting thanked the unnamed farmer but emphasised that she had only a "partial" picture of the incident. He said: "She has done exactly what we would hope that someone in that extraordinary situation would do, and I'm really grateful to her. With respect, though, she does only have a partial picture." He added: "We know that it is a matter of public record, that the Iranian regime is one that would do harm to our interests and to our allies given the chance."
