Five men detained in suspected terror and explosives investigation near RAF Fairford
Police arrested five individuals on suspicion of planning a terror attack and handling explosives close to RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by U.S. forces. Bomb disposal units are examining nearby vehicles as the investigation continues, with both outlets reporting the same arrests and location.
First reported 51 minutes ago · latest update 48 minutes ago
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In a press conference Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said armed officers quickly responded to the call and arrested the men. They also evacuated 85 households in the area.
"A 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles, while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit examine them,” Ocone said. A statement from police earlier Sunday said that they believe the situation is “contained.”
Ocone added that the men remain in custody and will be questioned by police.
The base is home to both 501st Combat Support Wing Headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron, and is seen as the “preferred bomber forward operating location in Europe,” according to the U.S. Air Force.
TIME has reached out to the U.S. Air Force for comment on the incident.
A representative of the Air Force told Sky News that none of its personnel are involved in the incident, but that the branch remains “in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety and security of both our military and local communities."
Citations · 2 reports from 2 outlets
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5 Men Arrested Over Suspected Terror Plot Near U.K. Base Used by U.S. Forces
Bomb disposal teams are examining vehicles near RAF Fairford as police investigate suspected explosives offenses.
51 minutes ago · Rebecca Schneid5 arrested over suspected terror, explosives offences near UK airbase used by US
arrested over suspected terror explosives offences near UK airbase used by US
48 minutes ago