4 hrs ago
Police Robot Fires at Vans Near RAF Fairford Airbase
A police robot used to check for bombs reportedly started firing at vans near an airbase.
The airbase is used by the United States Air Force.
Police arrested five men because they suspected the vans might be connected to a terrorist plan.
A local person saw unusual vehicles and people near the base and contacted emergency services.
Police then created a safety area around the scene.
About 85 nearby households were moved to a leisure centre for safety.
Experts examined the three vans for dangerous objects.
Officials said the United Kingdom and United States worked together during the response.
A UK police bomb-disposal robot reportedly went rogue during a counter-terrorism operation near RAF Fairford.
Aerial footage appeared to show the robot moving between three white vans and firing at two vans’ open rear doors.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after three suspicious vehicles were reported near the airbase.
About 85 households in nearby Whelford were evacuated while bomb-disposal experts examined the vans.
The United Kingdom and United States are investigating the incident amid wider concerns about hostile foreign activity.
- Who
- UK counter-terrorism police arrested five men; the airbase is used by the United States Air Force.
- What
- Police investigated three suspicious vans near the airbase, while a bomb-disposal robot reportedly fired at two of them.
- Where
- Near Royal Air Force Station Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwest England, including near Whelford.
- When
- The operation took place overnight, with the arrests made in the early hours of Monday; the incident was reported as occurring last week.
- Why
- Police said they were investigating suspected preparation of a terrorist act after three vehicles appeared to be travelling toward the airbase.
Security Officials
Local Criticism
Assessment of the incident
Security Officials
Police and officials treated the vehicles as a possible terrorist threat, arrested five men, imposed a cordon, evacuated residents, and called in bomb-disposal experts.
Local Criticism
A local resident questioned how the response began, saying it was astonishing that a member of the public had to spot unusual activity and raise the alarm.
Key facts
- Arrests
- Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
- Vehicles
- Three large white vans were stopped near the airbase.
- Safety cordon
- A 400-metre cordon was put in place.
- Evacuations
- About 85 households in Whelford were evacuated to a leisure centre.
- Airbase user
- The United States Air Force uses Royal Air Force Station Fairford.
- Investigation
- Counter Terrorism Policing was leading the investigation.
- Robot incident
- A bomb-disposal robot reportedly moved between the vans and fired at vehicle doors.
Quotes
Metropolitan Police
The UK police force whose statement described the counter-terrorism investigation.
“Counter Terrorism Policing can now confirm they are leading an investigation into an incident which took place overnight near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.”
NDTV
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
NDTV
Sources
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