Residents near RAF Fairford left 'like sitting ducks'
Villagers living near the base say a lack of communication in the days before and after the incident has left them feeling unsafe.
Residents living near RAF Fairford have expressed feeling vulnerable and "like sitting ducks" amid a major counter-terrorism investigation. Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three vans were spotted near the Gloucestershire base, operated by the US military. Eighty-five homes were evacuated during the night, causing fear and trauma for some families.
One couple recounted witnessing armed police point a gun at their father while their child was traumatised. Gloucestershire Constabulary received a call about three suspicious vehicles traveling towards the base at 00:45 BST on Sunday, leading to a 400m cordon and the deployment of a bomb disposal team. Counter Terrorism Policing announced that no explosives were found during searches, and the five men, all UK nationals in their early 20s from London, were released on bail as an investigative decision.
Whelford residents expressed unease in the days leading up to the incident, with extra concrete barricades around the airbase. They criticized the lack of communication and reassurance from authorities, describing the situation as concerning. However, Whelford residents also praised the calm, thorough, and precise response of local authorities.
One man was confronted by armed police upon stepping outside his home, feeling threatened and confused. Police assured the public of regular updates and reassurance in the coming days.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
