UNITED KINGDOM — The U.S. Embassy in London said on September 27 that it is aware of arrests on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act near the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Fairford in Gloucestershire and told U.S. citizens to exercise caution and follow local authorities.
Counter Terrorism Policing stated that at about 12:45 AM British Summer Time on September 27 (11:45 PM UTC on September 26), police received a call about three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward the air base.
Armed officers arrested five men in the Whelford area on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and further arrested them on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
The same police update said a 400-meter (1,312-foot) cordon was in place around the vehicles while the British Army explosive ordnance disposal team examined them, and that about 85 households were evacuated as a precaution.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said a nearby leisure center had been opened for residents who could not stay with friends or relatives.
The embassy reminded U.S. citizens that UK authorities rate the threat of terrorism in the United Kingdom as severe and that U.S.-associated facilities, gatherings, and organizations may be at heightened risk.
