US President Donald Trump has spoken publicly for the first time about the five men arrested near RAF Fairford, claiming the suspects were “under view for a long time” and were “looking to do big damage”.
The men were arrested after three “suspicious vehicles” travelling towards the Gloucestershire base, used by the United States Air Force (USAF), were reported to police at about 12.45am on Sunday. Armed officers detained them in the Whelford area under suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act, and they were further arrested under suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act.
President praises UK response
Speaking to reporters in the US, Trump said: “It was fantastic. Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They, they were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.
“It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”
Evacuations and police operation
About 85 households have been evacuated from homes near the base. A major incident was declared by police, with a large emergency services presence in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team within a 400-metre cordon.
Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting three white vans, two of which had open rear doors, with large black barrels appearing to be scattered around.
Investigation under way
Evacuated villagers may have to stay overnight while crews make the scene safe, Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson confirmed to the Press Association, calling the incident “destabilising”.
Counter Terrorism Policing senior national co-ordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation and five men remain in custody.
“As you would expect, we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident. We continue to work with Gloucestershire Police to keep the community safe as we work to gather evidence from the scene.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the situation. Suspects arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 can be detained for up to 14 days without charge, compared to the 24-hour limit for standard arrests without an extension application.
