One of the five men arrested near RAF Fairford as part of a terror investigation called the police to report the incident, it has emerged. The call from the man, in his 20s and from London, was one reason armed police were scrambled to arrest the men, who were with three vans close to the military base used by the US in its attacks on Iran.
What Happened at RAF Fairford?
The terror investigation began when a farmer driving home from a party at around 1am on Sunday spotted the men and vans and called 999. Police first on the scene found several barrels in the vans, one of which contained petrol, while the others were empty. The men were arrested on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism.
An Iranian link to the bizarre events in the Gloucestershire countryside over the weekend is seen as increasingly likely, as the police and security services investigation continues. Senior US politicians, including President Donald Trump, have expressed surprise that the suspects were released on bail.
Why Did a Suspect Call the Police?
The revelation that one of the suspects themselves called police is another strand of the complex investigation. News of the call to police by one of the suspects was first reported by the Times. A statement earlier from Britain’s head of counter-terrorism police hinted that officers swooped on the rural location for several reasons.
Assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “A police response was activated in the early hours of Sunday morning following a number of reports from members of the public.” This suggests that multiple calls, including from one of the suspects, prompted the armed response.
Key Takeaways
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of terror offenses.
- One of the suspects called police, contributing to the armed response.
- Petrol was found in one of several barrels inside the vans.
- An Iran-backed plot is increasingly suspected.
- All suspects were released on bail, prompting surprise from US politicians.
Comparison of Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire |
| Number of suspects | Five men |
| Vehicles | Three vans |
| Items found | Several barrels, one containing petrol |
| Initial call | Farmer at 1am, plus call from a suspect |
| Status | Released on bail |
FAQ
What is RAF Fairford used for?
What is RAF Fairford used for?
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire, England, used by the United States Air Force as a forward operating base. It has been used in US attacks on Iran.
Why were the suspects released on bail?
Why were the suspects released on bail?
The suspects were released on bail pending further investigation. This has prompted surprise from senior US politicians, including President Donald Trump.
What did police find in the vans?
What did police find in the vans?
Police found several barrels in the vans, one of which contained petrol, while the others were empty.
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