British police have arrested five men near RAF Fairford, a U.K.-owned air base used by U.S. forces during the war with Iran, on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
The arrests were made early Sunday in the village of Whelford, Gloucestershire, after police received a report shortly before 1 a.m. about three suspicious vehicles apparently traveling toward the air base. The Metropolitan Police said the men remain in custody as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The suspects were initially arrested under the Explosives Act. Authorities later began treating the case as a potential terrorist investigation. Police have not released the nationalities of the men or provided details about their identities.
A 400-meter security cordon has been established around the three vehicles, while military bomb-disposal specialists examine them. About 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution, with some residents taken to a nearby recreation center.
Images from the scene showed a bomb-disposal robot operating around three white trucks. Two of the vehicles reportedly had their rear doors open, with unidentified materials visible inside and around them. Authorities have not confirmed whether the materials posed an immediate danger.
RAF Fairford hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and 420th Air Base Squadron. The base has been used by American forces for limited strikes against Iranian missile sites during the ongoing conflict.
The arrests come amid heightened security concerns in Britain linked to the conflict in the Middle East. British security officials have previously warned of threats connected to hostile states and their alleged proxies operating in the country.
Gloucestershire Police said the situation appeared to be contained and urged residents to follow instructions from emergency authorities.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said American and British personnel remain vigilant and are taking appropriate measures to protect those at the installation.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the arrests are connected to Iran or any other state or organization.
Swifteradio.com
