From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 30s
UK Police Arrest 5 Men Under Terrorism Acts Near US Base
UK police arrest five men under terrorism and explosives acts near RAF Fairford airbase.
In brief
UK police arrest five men under terrorism and explosives acts near RAF Fairford airbase. UK police arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses near RAF Fairford, a US military base in England. Originally reported by ABC News.
UK police arrest 5 men
UK police arrested five men on suspicion of offenses under the explosives act near RAF Fairford airbase in southwest England.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident”
Evacuation and roadblocks
Local residents evacuated to nearby recreation center as armed police set up roadblocks and security checks around RAF Fairford.
“Armed police maintain roadblocks and security checks around RAF Fairford”
RAF Fairford location
RAF Fairford is a US military base two miles from Whelford village, hosting B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers since February.
“The village of Whelford is located around 2 miles from RAF Fairford”
Trump's comments
President Trump said suspects were under surveillance for a long time and were looking to do big damage to the US Air Force base.
“We had them under investigation... They were looking to do big damage to our fort”
Police investigation
Police arrested five men after receiving a call about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base at 12:45 a.m.
“Officers arrested five men, who remain in custody, on suspicion of explosive offenses”
Evacuation details
Around 85 households evacuated as precaution while police set up a 400m cordon around suspect vehicles.
“Around 85 households were also evacuated as a precaution”
US Embassy warning
US Embassy urged citizens to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security in the UK following arrests.
“We remind U.S. citizens that U.K. authorities rate the threat of terrorism in the U.K. as severe”
Prime Minister statement
Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged people not to speculate while authorities investigate the incident.
“I know today's incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents”
US military response
US military confirmed safety of personnel and communities while coordinating with UK partners on security measures.
“The safety and security of our airmen, families, and surrounding communities remains our highest priority”
The main idea
UK police arrested five men on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses near RAF Fairford, a US military base in England.
