Tipster in RAF Fairford plot had 'partial picture,' British minister says amid…
Five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses.
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LONDON -- A police cordon remained in place
LONDON -- A police cordon remained in place on Monday near a major air base hosting U.S. forces in the southwest of England, where British police arrested five men early on Sunday on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses.
The men were detained in possession of three
The men were detained in possession of three vans close to RAF Fairford, which has long served as a key European hub for the U.S. Air Force and a vital staging point for long-range operations in the Middle East -- including in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Counter Terrorism Policing said on Monday that all
Counter Terrorism Policing said on Monday that all five men arrested were from London, all were British nationals and all were aged between 23 and 25. They were detained "on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act," CTP said.
Police said they are still working to "establish
Police said they are still working to "establish the full circumstances of the activity of those arrested, their knowledge and any motivation behind this incident."
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Monday morning
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 on Monday morning, British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said he would not "comment in detail on operational security matters. Because, often, the more we might say the more insight we give to those who would wish us harm, and do us harm given the opportunity."
Streeting said the investigation was "well under way"
Streeting said the investigation was "well under way" and thanked those involved in the arrests, the evacuation of the town and the investigation. Police said that at least 85 homes were evacuated during their response on Sunday.
Streeting thanked an anonymous farmer -- who also
Streeting thanked an anonymous farmer -- who also spoke with the BBC -- who said she called in the threat after coming across the "hooded and masked" men and vans in the early hours of Sunday morning in the village of Whelford, close to RAF Fairford.
Streeting thanked the tipster for calling in the
Streeting thanked the tipster for calling in the threat, though said the caller only "had a partial picture" of the situation. "I won't go beyond that, in terms of commenting on operational security matters," Streeting added.
The farmer told the BBC she believed authorities
The farmer told the BBC she believed authorities had "dropped the ball" in allowing the suspected attackers to get so close to the base.
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Tipster in RAF Fairford plot had 'partial picture,' British minister says amid probe
Five men were arrested on suspicion of terrorism and explosives offenses.
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Source: ABC News