White vans near RAF Fairford are at the centre of a counter-terrorism investigation.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating five London men after suspicious vans near the airbase prompted a bomb disposal operation and evacuations.
Five men have been arrested in connection with suspected explosives and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, western England.
The arrests followed reports of suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase early Sunday. The incident triggered a major police operation and the evacuation of 85 households.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation. On Monday, investigators said the suspects are British nationals aged between 23 and 25.
Police said all five men live in London. However, investigators have not established a motive or the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Suspicious Vehicles Trigger Major Operation
Gloucestershire Police received a report at 00:45 BST on Sunday about three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford.
Officers later arrested five men near Whelford, about two miles southeast of the airbase.
Meanwhile, a bomb disposal team examined the vehicles as officers established a 400-metre cordon around them.
Police declared a major incident as emergency services maintained a significant presence in the area.
Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said officers would remain in the area for several days.
She added that Gloucestershire Police would continue supporting counter-terrorism investigators and national security partners.
Blyth said the situation appeared contained when asked whether officers were searching for additional suspects.
However, she left Counter Terrorism Policing to determine whether the incident should receive a formal terrorism designation.
Five Men Remain in Custody
Police initially arrested the suspects under the Explosives Act.
They later arrested the five men on suspicion of preparing to commit a terrorist act.
Authorities have not released their names. Investigators said the suspects remained in custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Police also secured an extension allowing their detention until later Monday.
For now, investigators are working to establish why the vehicles were in the area and what the suspects intended.
85 Households Evacuated
The operation also forced 85 households to leave their homes.
Police directed affected residents to a nearby leisure centre and told them they could not return Sunday night.
Cotswold District Council Deputy Chief Executive David Stanley said officials would arrange overnight accommodation where necessary.
Meanwhile, one resident described encountering three white vans blocking a driveway and road.
She said she saw hooded and masked men, with some running towards a field and others towards Kempsford.
The woman said she called 999 at 01:36 BST after failing to reach Ministry of Defence police at the base.
Armed officers reportedly arrived about 10 minutes later.
US Military Monitoring Situation
RAF Fairford has served as a forward operating location for the US Air Force for decades.
The base played a role during the Cold War and later supported US military operations, including missions involving Iraq.
The US military said it was coordinating with British authorities over the incident.
It said the coordination aims to limit disruption and protect American personnel, their families and the surrounding community.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances behind the arrests.
