British police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on Sept. 27 on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act; they remain in custody. After police were alerted to three suspicious vehicles apparently heading toward the base, authorities evacuated about 85 homes.
Police initially arrested the men on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act, then further arrested them on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. An Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined the vehicles inside a 400-meter cordon; several outlets reported that a bomb-disposal robot was used.
Police said the investigation was in its early stages and did not disclose what they believed the men were attempting. Trump said they were looking to do “big damage” to the base, but police had not publicly described an alleged plan. A nearby leisure centre opened for evacuees unable to stay with friends or family.
