LIVE: Counter terror police issue major update on RAF Fairford incident

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According to the police, the five men arrested are all British.

Counter terrorism police have confirmed that the men arrested are all from London and aged between 23 and 25.

The group were arrested near the military base early on Sunday, and a police custody extension has been secured until later on Monday.

The five men are detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparing a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

The following information on the five men as given by counter terrorism police:

• Male, aged 24, resident of Camden
• Male, aged 24, resident of Westminster
• Male, aged 25, resident of Westminster
• Male, aged 23, resident of Westminster
• Male, aged 24, resident of Willesden

Counter terrorism police also said that investigations overnight have led to “multiple new lines of enquiry”.

Meanwhile, police have given no information on any potential charges for the men who were detained.

“This is a hugely complex and large-scale operation, involving local and national policing, the MOD and local agencies, who are working together to progress the investigation and support for the community”, Counter Terrorism Policing senior national coordinator Vicki Evans said.

“I know this has been incredibly disruptive for local people, but I'd like to reassure them that our activity is in the interest of national security, but most importantly in the interest of their own safety.”

“I'd also like to thank the emergency services for their response, including the armed officers who first attended the scene, not knowing what they may face.”

“I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised. However, I ask that at this time, Counter Terrorism Policing are given the space to work carefully and clearly.”

Villager revealed chilling discovery near RAF base before five men arrested

Five men were arrested on Sunday after three vans were found near RAF Fairford in the early hours of the morning, with police investigating possible explosives and terrorism offences.

A local farmer spotted the vehicles blocking a road in Whelford in the early hours of Sunday morning, less than a mile from the air base. 

She had been driving home from a party when she noticed what she described as unusual lettering on one of the vans, along with a phone number that appeared to be missing a digit.

After turning around, she saw several men wearing masks and balaclavas running away from the vehicles. 

She said some disappeared into nearby fields, while others appeared to head towards the air base.

The farmer immediately drove away and called 999. She also sent a warning to a local WhatsApp group, telling people to lock their doors. Police arrived around 15 minutes later.

“I just thought what the hell are they doing,” she told The Telegraph, describing the sight of the masked men in the countryside.

Armed officers then secured the area while bomb disposal specialists used a robot to examine the vans. 

Around 85 households were evacuated as the investigation got under way, with counter-terrorism officers also becoming involved.