Five people arrested over a suspected bomb plot at RAF Fairford are all male British nationals, Counter Terrorism Policing have confirmed.
The group of men, who are also from London and aged in their 20s, were detained yesterday on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offences after three vans were discovered close to the Gloucestershire base used by US forces.
Counter-terrorism policing is continuing its investigation into the incident, with specialist CTP officers having spent the night conducting detailed examinations at the scene.
This work has generated several additional lines of enquiry, which officers are now said to be pursuing.
The suspects include a 24-year-old man from Camden, a 24-year-old man, a 25-year-old man and 23-year-old man from Westminster, as well as a 24-year-old man from Brent.
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: “This is a complex and substantial operation involving local and national policing, the Ministry of Defence and partner agencies.
“All those involved are working closely together to advance the investigation while ensuring that appropriate support is provided to the local community.
“We recognise the considerable disruption residents have experienced. I want to reassure people that the continued deployment of resources is necessary to protect national security and, above all, to help keep the local community safe.
Several men were held after being arrested near RAF Fairford
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BBC
“I would also like to recognise the work of the emergency services, including the armed officers who responded initially to the incident without knowing what they might encounter.
“There has understandably been considerable speculation about the possible motivation for this incident, as well as wider geopolitical questions.
“At this stage, however, I would ask that Counter Terrorism Policing is given the time and space needed to conduct a thorough and careful investigation.”
The men are being held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and a custody extension has been secured until later today.
Police are working to establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge and any motivation behind this incident.
A villager in Whelford dialled 999 after she saw three vans and a group of masked men near the base and dozens of homes had to be evacuated as bomb disposal teams were called in.
Counter-terrorism police were understood to be investigating if any potential plot could be linked to Iran, which has used proxies to carry out crimes on British soil in the past.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosive offences after three suspicions vans were discovered | REUTERSWashington has used the base as outpost for launching strikes on the Islamic Republic from Europe.
RAF Fairford is now believed to have been raised to its highest threat level, Delta.
It is understood the level of security has not been seen at US military bases in Britain since the September 11 attacks.
Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Temporary Chief Constable, Maggie Blyth, suggested officers were not looking for any other suspects linked to the alleged plot.
US President Donald Trump has hailed the response by UK authorities, declaring on Sunday they had done an “amazing” job.
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