Five UK nationals from London have been arrested at RAF Fairford on suspicion of terror offences, counter-terrorism police have confirmed. The men, all in their 20s, were detained near the RAF base in Gloucestershire, which is being used by the US air force for operations against Iran.
Arrest Details and Charges
The suspects were arrested in Whelford on Sunday morning after reports of three vehicles travelling towards the airbase at 12:45am. They were detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Three of the men are 24, one is 25, and one is 23. Three reside in Westminster, one in Camden, and another in Willesden.
Officers said they were being held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and a custody extension had been secured until later on Monday. The men were pictured on Sunday being apprehended, shirtless, near the RAF base.
Investigation and Community Impact
Counter-terrorism policing said investigators were examining the scene overnight and had been carrying out a range of activity that had led to multiple new lines of inquiry. Eighty-five households were evacuated from the village on Sunday, and a large police and emergency services presence has been there ever since.
Police said they were using “significant numbers of resources, including military assets” at the location, adding: “We are working hard to minimise disruption to local communities, but ask for the public’s patience and understanding.”
Key Takeaways
- Five UK nationals in their 20s arrested at RAF Fairford on terror offences.
- Arrests linked to Explosives Act and Terrorism Act offences.
- 85 households evacuated; investigation ongoing with military support.
- Suspects from London areas: Westminster, Camden, and Willesden.
Comparison of Arrest Details
| Age | Residence | Arrest Location |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | Westminster | Whelford |
| 24 | Westminster | Whelford |
| 24 | Westminster | Whelford |
| 25 | Camden | Whelford |
| 23 | Willesden | Whelford |
FAQ
What offences are the men suspected of?
What offences are the men suspected of?
They are suspected of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
Where were the men arrested?
Where were the men arrested?
They were arrested in Whelford, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Why was RAF Fairford significant?
Why was RAF Fairford significant?
RAF Fairford is being used by the US air force in its operations against Iran, making it a high-security location.
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