Five men were arrested on Sunday after police foiled a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford, a base used by the United States Air Force. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether the suspects have links to Iran.
The arrests came after a member of the public called 999 at 12.45am after spotting three suspicious vans near the Gloucestershire base. Dramatic pictures show five shirtless men being held at gunpoint by armed police.
Investigation under way
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said officers were in the "early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody." She said Counter Terrorism officers are "working closely" with partners to "understand the circumstances of the incident."
She added: "We continue to work with Gloucestershire Police to keep the community safe as we work to gather evidence from the scene." A 400m cordon was put in place around the vehicles while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out examinations, and 85 households were evacuated.
Resident's 999 call
Julian Tudsbery, who has lived in the nearby village of Whelford for 30 years, said a resident had reported three "suspicious vans" in the village. He said: "Evidently, they phoned the airbase police, who didn't answer the phone. It just rang out so she dialled 999."
The woman who made the call saw the men "hanging around" two vans that appeared to belong to them and phoned 999 to report what she had seen. One local, who asked not to be named, said: "Thank goodness this woman in the village saw what she saw and had the wit to call the cops out quickly. She may well have saved a lot of lives."
Political response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as "deeply concerning." He said: "My thanks go to Gloucestershire Police, Counter Terrorism Policing, our Armed Forces and all those working to keep the public safe."
President Donald Trump praised the arrests as "fantastic," adding that the men were "looking to do big damage" and "we had them under view for a long time." The incident raises fresh questions over defence decisions to be made by Burnham and Chancellor John Healey at the Budget next month.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said armed officers arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. The five men were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000, meaning they can be detained for up to 14 days without charge.
