Counter-terrorism investigators were still examining the scene near RAF Fairford on Tuesday morning as key new details emerged about the foiled suspected attack — including that no viable explosives appear to have been found in the three vans seized near the Gloucestershire base.
The Press Association reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that the material found inside the vehicles was not viable explosives. Police have not confirmed this publicly and say the investigation is continuing, with a cordon still in place around the three vans in Whelford as armed officers and counter-terrorism experts continue to work the scene.
Farmer who sounded the alarm: “I am absolutely staggered”
New details have also emerged about the local farmer whose late-night phone call triggered the police response. According to The Guardian, the woman — who has remained anonymous — was driving home from a party in the early hours of Sunday when she encountered three vans “parked in a really weird fan shape” blocking a rural road. She also came across a large group of men, some with faces covered, who scattered when they saw her car.
She first tried to contact the Ministry of Defence, and when that failed, called police at 1:36am. Armed officers were on the scene within approximately 10 minutes. The five men were arrested around 300 metres from the perimeter of RAF Fairford.
The farmer has said she believes her tip-off “foiled whatever plans” were unfolding, and expressed disbelief at the circumstances. “I am absolutely staggered that it was left to me, as a member of the public, to see and report this,” she told reporters.
Her call came almost an hour after Gloucestershire Constabulary says it was first alerted to suspicious vans travelling towards the base at 12:45am — a gap that has raised questions, though police have not publicly explained what action was taken in that intervening period.
B-1 bombers “likely target”, says WSJ
The Wall Street Journal, citing officials familiar with the matter, reported on Tuesday that security officials believe US B-1 bombers based at RAF Fairford were the likely intended target of the suspected plot. The base has been used by American bombers in operations during this year’s conflict with Iran.
Five British nationals from London — aged 23 to 25, from Westminster, Camden and Willesden — were arrested under the Explosives Act and on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act in the early hours of Sunday 27 September. All five were released on police bail on Monday afternoon with stringent conditions. They have not been named and no charges have been brought.
Investigators say they are examining possible links to Iran, Russia, and non-state militant groups. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday the incident “clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor”, though he did not name a specific country. Iran’s embassy in London has categorically denied any involvement.
This follows our earlier report: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as armed police arrest five men.
