Trump says US and UK investigated terror suspects near RAF Fairford

US President Donald Trump stated that US and UK authorities had suspects under investigation for a terror plot near RAF Fairford, a UK airbase used by the USAF. Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offenses after suspicious vehicles were stopped near the base early Sunday. Sky News understands counterterrorism police are investigating a potential link to Iran.

Mr Trump told reporters in the US that "working with the British worked out great" and that "we had them under view for a long time, and we got them." He suggested the suspects were "looking to do big damage to our fort."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted on X that the incident would be "deeply concerning for local residents" and thanked emergency services. He urged people "not to speculate while the authorities establish the full facts."

The arrests followed reports of suspicious vehicles traveling towards RAF Fairford around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday. Armed officers stopped three vans in the Whelford area. A resident told the Press Association she called police after seeing "a large group of hooded and 'balaclava'd' men" blocking the road.

About 85 households were evacuated from their homes near the base, which is used by the USAF. A major incident was declared by police, and bomb disposal robots were seen inspecting the vehicles.