Five held under anti-terror laws after three vans stopped near RAF base

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences after three suspicious vans were stopped near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The incident occurred around 12.45am on Sunday, when armed officers were called to the Whelford area to investigate the vehicles. The suspects, aged between 20 and 40, were initially detained under the Explosives Act and later arrested for preparing a terrorist act.

Approximately 85 households have been evacuated from their homes in the vicinity of the RAF base, which is utilized by the United States Air Force (USAF). A major incident has been declared, and a significant number of emergency services personnel, including a Hazardous Area Response Team, have been deployed to secure the area. Inspections by aerial footage revealed bomb disposal robots examining the white vans, many of which had their rear doors open and scattered black barrels.

The evacuation may last overnight, as crews work to make the scene safe, according to Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson. Counter Terrorism Policing senior national co-ordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, stated that the investigation is in its early stages and that five men are still in custody. She emphasized that the police are working closely with partners to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and continue to protect the community as evidence is gathered.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being kept informed of the situation. The suspects were arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000, which allows for detention for up to 14 days without charge, compared to the standard 24-hour limit for non-terrorism arrests. Local resident Julian Tudsbery recounted how he was evacuated at around 7am, as police surrounded his home with several vehicles and sirens.

He noted that heavy security measures had been increasing in recent weeks, with large vehicles and concrete barriers added to entrances to the RAF base. Additionally, the resident mentioned that big walls have been erected behind some gates, including on Dunfield Loop and Whelford Road. The arrests come amid heightened concerns over threats from hostile states, including Russia and Iran, to the UK.

Recent reports indicate that the number of national security cases linked to such states has risen by 50% in the past six months.