Counter-terrorism detectives are investigating whether Iran was behind a suspected car-bomb plot aimed at RAF Fairford. Five men, spotted in three vans, were apprehended by armed officers following what appears to be a tip-off from a member of the public.
Five men re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
The five suspects were initially detained on suspicion of "committing offences under the Explosives Act". They were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. The men were stripped down to their torsos due to concerns they might also have been donning suicide vests.
Scotland Yard and MI5, in collaboration with American intelligence officers, were last night striving to determine whether Tehran masterminded the plot to assassinate American troops based at RAF Fairford. Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a warning in July that they would not permit US bombers to operate from Fairford, declaring any base used to launch attacks as a legitimate target.
President Trump warns of "big damage"
President Donald Trump cautioned that the alleged attackers intended to cause "big damage", adding that they had been "under investigation" for "a long time". He declared: "We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our fort. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."
A police source told the Daily Express: "This was intelligence led policing, pure and simple. There has been a lot of covert activity in the background."
Bomb disposal experts called in
Bomb disposal experts were sent to inspect the devices discovered in the three vans, with around 85 families forced to flee their homes to a nearby leisure centre during the high-stakes operation. A robot from the Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal unit moved between the three parked vehicles, with what appeared to be large black barrels positioned outside the van.
Officers are investigating several potential motives, including whether the network was acting under instructions from Tehran or Moscow, or if it represented an Islamist terror conspiracy.
Witness describes "pretty serious" scene
RAF Fairford had served as a launch point for US long-range bomber aircraft during military operations in Iran. A frightened local in Whelford, Gloucestershire, contacted police after spotting a "large group of hooded and 'balaclava'd' men" near the airbase during the early hours of Sunday morning.
The farmer, who requested anonymity, said: "I saw a group of Middle Eastern-looking young guys running off through the trees. Some of them had masks or balaclavas on, and they all scattered ahead of us as we drove back past."
"Some of them ran into the fields, and some of them turned to run towards the air base. We realised this was something pretty serious."
"We knew the air base had a credible threat of a terrorist attack before last night. So as soon as I saw them I was worried."
The local resident hinted that police and intelligence services might have been sitting on vital intelligence. She revealed: "We thought something was going on as they had housed B1 bombers at the base until earlier this week when they were moved. And then suddenly they started blocking entrances to the air base."
"They started blocking those with diggers and tractors and things early in the week, which seems a bit Dad's Army to be honest."
"By Friday they had sent all their civilian staff home, and then because this is a small village, we started noticing people who weren't local and the suspicion was they were plain clothes police of some kind. We all knew something unusual was going on."
She continued: "A plucky amateur shouldn't be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1am when the air base is on high alert. I think it's absolutely astonishing."
Firm disowns vehicle used in plot
One of the vehicles inspected by bomb-disposal experts bore the words "FUEL 2YOU" emblazoned on its side in red lettering, complete with a telephone number. However, virtually no public trace of such a firm exists. A business with a comparable name, Fuel 2U, confirmed to the Daily Express that they owned two vans, both of which were stationed at their London depot.
This raises the alarming prospect that the suspected attackers were attempting to camouflage themselves by masquerading as a fuel delivery service. The firm issued a statement saying: "We want to make it absolutely clear that neither the vehicle nor any of the individuals involved has any connection whatsoever with Fuel2U, its directors, employees or current business operations."
"We are extremely concerned that our company's name has been used without our knowledge or permission."
"We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and will assist them with any enquiries."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham acknowledged the "incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country." He continued: "The safety and security of the public is our first priority, and I want people to know that we will always take every step necessary to protect our communities and keep our country safe. The investigation remains ongoing, and I would urge people not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts."
