9 hrs ago
Farmer’s 999 Call Disrupts Suspected Terror Plot Near RAF Fairford
A farmer driving home saw vans blocking a road near an important air base.
Some masked men ran away when she turned around.
She quickly called the police and warned her neighbours.
Police arrived and arrested five men.
Bomb experts then checked the vans and nearby homes were evacuated for safety.
The air base is used by American forces.
Iran had previously warned Britain about allowing American bombers to use the base.
Police are investigating whether the incident was connected to Iran or another group.
They have not yet said who the suspects are or exactly what they planned.
A Gloucestershire farmer found three abandoned white vans blocking a country lane near RAF Fairford at about 1:30am.
Masked men reportedly fled toward nearby fields and trees after the farmer turned her car around.
Her 999 call was followed by the arrests of five men within 25 minutes and the evacuation of 85 homes.
Police found explosives and chemicals in or near the vans and arrested the suspects under terrorism legislation.
Investigators are examining possible Iranian, Russian-sabotage and Islamist motives, but no motive or identities have been confirmed.
- Who
- A Gloucestershire farmer alerted police; five men were arrested, while counter-terrorism police investigated.
- What
- Three vans were found abandoned near RAF Fairford, with explosives and chemicals reportedly discovered, prompting a major counter-terrorism operation.
- Where
- On a country lane in Whelford, Gloucestershire, near RAF Fairford in England.
- When
- The discovery occurred at about 1:30am; the arrests followed within 25 minutes, and the major incident was declared by 8am.
- Why
- Police are investigating a suspected attack, possibly linked to Iran, Russia or Islamist extremists; the motive has not been established.
Police and Whitehall Account
Trump’s Account
How the arrests happened
Police and Whitehall Account
Gloucestershire Police said it learned the men were in Whelford because of the farmer’s 999 call, and Whitehall sources said the arrests were not intelligence-led or planned.
Trump’s Account
Donald Trump said the United States had the men “under view for a long time” and described the arrests as an “amazing job”.
Possible motive
Police and Whitehall Account
Investigators are considering Iran-linked, Russian-sabotage and Islamist explanations, while police have not confirmed a motive.
Trump’s Account
The article reports no separate public explanation from Trump about the suspects’ specific motive, although he said they were looking to cause “big damage”.
Threat to RAF Fairford
Police and Whitehall Account
Experts said the scene had the hallmarks of a large attack, but one expert said the attackers would probably not have reached the US aircraft because of the base’s defenses.
Trump’s Account
The reported presence of multiple vehicles and materials was treated as evidence of a potentially serious planned attack.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Five men were arrested and remained in custody.
- Legal basis
- The men were arrested under explosives law and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
- Evacuation
- Eighty-five homes were evacuated during the operation.
- Safety cordon
- A 400-metre cordon was placed around the vans.
- Base role
- RAF Fairford is a forward operating base for US forces in Europe.
- Van branding
- One van displayed the name “FUEL 2YOU”; the real Fuel2U company said its name was used without permission.
- Investigation status
- Police said the inquiry was at an early stage and had not released the suspects’ nationalities or identities.
Quotes
Lucy Lewis
Former Army bomb disposal officer who assessed the reported scene.
“It’s the real thing”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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