add content heBritish counterterrorism police were questioning five men on Sunday after armed officers intercepted three suspicious vans near RAF Fairford, an air base used by US bombers for strikes on Iran.
The arrests triggered a major emergency response in western England, with 85 homes evacuated and a 400-metre security cordon established while bomb disposal specialists examined the vehicles.
Police said they received an early-morning call reporting three vans apparently travelling towards the base. Five men were initially arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and subsequently held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Authorities said they believed the incident was contained. They had not identified the suspects or disclosed a possible motive.
Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said the investigation remained at an early stage and officers were working with partner agencies to establish the circumstances.
Armed police guarded access points around Fairford, while heavy machinery blocked entry to the base. Residents of a nearby village were woken during the evacuation.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said the cordon was a precaution and warned that emergency services would remain in the area for some time.
Reuters witnesses also reported heightened security at RAF Lakenheath in eastern England, another base used by US forces, where armoured vehicles and soldiers were positioned at the gates.
The British government said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept informed.
Fairford has played a role in US military operations against Iran. Britain authorised American bombers stationed there to strike Iranian missile sites used to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Britain against allowing US bombers to operate from Fairford, saying bases used to launch attacks would be considered legitimate targets. Britain subsequently said its armed forces were ready to defend the country.
Police have announced no connection between those threats and Sunday’s incident.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to detail security measures but said its British-based units remained vigilant and would take appropriate steps to protect military personnel, civilian staff, contractors and their families.re
