Five men arrested over a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford, a base used by the US military, are all British nationals in their 20s from London, police have said.
The suspects were detained in Whelford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday, initially on suspicion of explosives offences and later on suspicion of terrorism.
Evacuations and police response
A villager in Whelford called 999 after seeing three vans and a group of masked men near the base, prompting the evacuation of dozens of homes as bomb disposal teams were called in.
Police declared a major incident after evacuating residents from their homes in Whelford.
Investigation and possible Iran link
Counter-terrorism police are understood to be investigating whether any potential plot could be linked to Iran, which has previously used proxies to carry out crimes on British soil.
On Monday, Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) said multiple new lines of inquiry had emerged after investigators worked at the scene overnight.
CTP Senior National Coordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, 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.
“I’d also like to thank the emergency services for their response, including the armed officers who first attended the scene, not knowing what they may face.
“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.”
Suspects held in custody
The five suspects are being held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Pace), and officers have been granted an initial extension to hold them in custody.
They are a 24-year-old from Camden, north London; three men aged 23, 24 and 25 from Westminster; and one aged 24 from Willesden, north-west London.
A police cordon remains in place in Whelford and will be reviewed later today, CTP said.
