Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford Released
What happened?
Police were alerted early Sunday morning after suspicious vehicles were reported near the airbase. Armed officers responded and arrested five men travelling in three vehicles. The vehicles have since been examined by forensic experts and with military support.
A major incident was declared and dozens of nearby homes were evacuated during the security operation.
Who was arrested?
The five men are all British nationals from London, aged between 23 and 25. Three are from Westminster, while one lives in Camden and another in Willesden.
They were initially arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
What are police investigating?
Counter Terrorism Policing said officers are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said investigators are examining whether proxies or individuals working knowingly or unknowingly on behalf of a foreign state could be involved.
Reports have focused on a possible Iranian connection, but this has not been established by investigators. Iran has denied involvement.
Why is RAF Fairford important?
RAF Fairford is an airbase in Gloucestershire, about 140 kilometres west of London. It is a UK military facility that has been used by the US military for operations in the Middle East, including strikes against Iran this year.
The incident therefore comes amid heightened attention to security around facilities used by US forces.
What happened to the five men?
After extensive interviews and inquiries, police said the five men would be released on police bail. They remain under investigation and are subject to stringent conditions governing their movements and contact with other people.
What did the UK government do?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired a COBRA emergency meeting on Monday involving senior ministers, officials and police officers to assess the incident.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the investigation remained live and that the suspects were still under stringent bail conditions. He said police and security services had acted rapidly to contain the situation.
What happens next?
Counter-terrorism officers continue to examine the three vehicles and other evidence while pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. Police have stressed that releasing the five men on bail does not mean the investigation is over.
The circumstances behind the incident, including whether any foreign-state actors were involved, remain under investigation.
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