Police have arrested five men who were initially detained under the Explosives Act on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
UK counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation in which five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences near an RAF base in Fairford which hosts the United States Air Force (USAF).
At a press conference this afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said police received a call at around 12.45am today reporting “three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford”.
Armed officers responded and arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, while around 85 homes were evacuated as a precaution.
The men have now been further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
They remain in custody while detectives question them.
Mr Ocone said: “At around12.45am today (Sunday 27 September) police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.
“Armed officers responded and subsequently arrested five men in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act.
“The men were taken into custody where they remain.
“Counter Terrorism Policing are now leading the investigation.
“A 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit examine them.
“As a precaution, around 85 households have been advised to evacuate while these examinations take place.
“A nearby leisure centre has been opened for those unable to stay with friends and family.
“The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents.
“Work to establish the full nature of this incident is ongoing and we are in constant communication with our partners locally and nationally.
“Gloucestershire Police’s focus at this time is on the local community and I’d like to thank the residents who have left their homes this morning for their understanding and support.
“We appreciate the disruption this will have caused and would like to reassure them we are working as quickly as we can to get them back in their properties.
“We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates.”
