Five men arrested near UK airbase used by US for Iran strikes were suspected of preparing a terrorist act, with 85 households evacuated as police and military teams investigate. The incident highlights heightened security around the base following recent threats.
The arrests occurred after a local woman reported three suspicious vans near the base, leading to the detention of men described as hooded and masked. Police say the suspects were under investigation for explosives and terrorism charges, with the US president praising the collaboration between British and American authorities.
Defence secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the woman's role in alerting police but noted that security services had 'dropped the ball' on the plot, emphasizing the need for operational secrecy. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about threats to UK military installations used for international operations.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of the plot, with no details on prior knowledge or the identities of the suspects. The event raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures around high-profile military locations.