Five men arrested in a suspected explosives plot near RAF Fairford are all British nationals in their 20s from London, counterterrorism police said Monday, as investigators worked to establish a motive and cautioned against speculation about possible geopolitical connections.
The disclosure provides new details about the suspects detained Sunday near the British military air base, which is used by the U.S. Air Force.
Counter Terrorism Policing said the men were arrested on suspicion of offenses under Britain’s Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
The suspects are a 24-year-old man from Camden in north London; three men, ages 23, 24 and 25, from Westminster in central London; and a 24-year-old man from Willesden in northwest London.
They remain in custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Police said an extension had been authorized allowing them to remain detained until later Monday.
British authorities have not publicly identified the men, established a motive or disclosed precisely what investigators believe they intended to target.
President Donald Trump, however, suggested Sunday that American and British authorities had been jointly investigating the suspects and said they intended to cause significant damage.
“Working with Britain, it was an amazing job. We had them under investigation. They were looking to do big damage to our ports,” Trump said Sunday, as The Pavlovic Today reported.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national coordinator, described the investigation as an extensive operation involving national and local police, Britain’s Ministry of Defence and other agencies.
“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,” 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.”
Evans also praised the armed officers and emergency personnel who responded to the incident.
“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.”
The case has generated questions about whether the suspected activity could be linked to wider international events because of RAF Fairford’s strategic role and U.S. military presence. Police have not established such a connection publicly.
Evans directly addressed that speculation Monday.
“I am very aware of the levels of speculation about the motivation behind this incident, and the geopolitical questions that are being raised,” she said. “However, I ask that at this time, Counter Terrorism Policing are given the space to work carefully and clearly.”
The five men were arrested in the village of Whelford early Sunday after police responded to suspicious activity near RAF Fairford.
No charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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