A suspected terror plot targeting RAF Fairford was intercepted after one of the suspects reportedly called 999, according to reports.
Five men were arrested near the airbase on suspicion of explosives offences. It was reportedly one of those men who contacted police before the group was arrested.
Police investigate possible links to Iran
The Times reported that police were investigating whether the group members were acting as proxies for Iran.
It was initially reported that a farmer driving home in the early hours of Sunday morning had alerted police to suspicious activity. However, police were reportedly already at the scene by then.
Expert describes possible ‘dry run’
Security expert Will Geddes told Metro that the five men may have been conducting a dry run for a future attack.
Geddes said the activity seemed to have been a rehearsal before an attack. He also said many terrorists are detected while carrying out hostile surveillance, such as taking photographs or driving routes, and that he thought this was the group’s penultimate dry run before carrying out the attack itself.
No improvised explosive devices found
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, head of UK counter-terrorism policing, said no improvised explosive devices were found in three vans discovered near RAF Fairford. A quantity of petrol was recovered.
Taylor said the five men had been released on police bail the previous day. They remained under investigation and were required to follow strict conditions while police continued their work.
He said public safety was at the forefront of investigative decision-making in the case. Taylor also acknowledged that the men’s release would have surprised many people, but said it was an investigative decision based on experience and careful consideration of policing powers.
Fears remained as the investigation into the suspected RAF Fairford plot continued.
Related: RAF Fairford incident: Rubio says suspected terror plot involved foreign actor
Source: Metro News
