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Crime27 September, 20262 min read

British Anti-Terror Police Detain Five Men After Explosives Act Probe Near RAF Fairford

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Five men detained near RAF Fairford on explosives and terrorism offences. Dozens of homes evacuated in Whelford during a major incident.

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British Anti-Terror Police Detain Five Men After Explosives Act Probe Near RAF Fairford
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Five detained near RAF Fairford

British anti-terror police took over an investigation into a “serious incident” declared this Sunday near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, after officers detained five men in the Whelford area on charges under the Explosives Act. Vicki Evans said, “We are in the early stages of an investigation and five men remain in custody,” as British Army bomb disposal experts examined vehicles after a call at 12:45 a.m. reported three suspicious vehicles apparently headed toward RAF Fairford.

Gloucestershire Police set a security perimeter of 400 meters around the vehicles and evacuated about 85 homes as armed officers responded to the report. Aerial footage showed a remotely operated robot approaching three white vans parked in the area, with two rear doors open, while Army specialists continued to examine the vehicles to determine the nature and danger of their contents.

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Surveillance claim and evacuation

Donald Trump told reporters that the suspects had been under surveillance for a “long time,” and he said the arrests were “fantastic” as he praised cooperation with British authorities. Andy Burnham called the incident “deeply concerning” for local residents and urged people not to speculate while authorities established the full facts.

Gloucestershire Police said they believed the incident was contained and that they were working with partners while enacting “the well-rehearsed plans we have in place.” Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said police acted after receiving a call about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base at 12:45 a.m., and he said five men were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act.

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Iran link probed, embassy denies

British security officials explored “multiple lines of enquiry” after the arrest of five men on suspicion of the “preparation of a terrorist act” near RAF Fairford, as counterterrorism policing confirmed it was leading an investigation into an incident that took place overnight. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the incident was “a reminder of the threats our country faces,” while he also said the UK must be prepared to “confront” all security threats facing Europe and the world.

Iran’s embassy in London denied any involvement, saying it “categorically rejects and strongly condemns the recent unfounded and malicious speculations” surrounding the arrest of five men near the base. Police said the men were all British nationals and that they were being held while investigators examined whether the arrests foiled an attempted attack linked to Iran, Russia, or non-state-backed militant groups.

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