- A woman who called 999 before five men were arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has spoken out.
- The local resident said she alerted police via a 999 call at approximately 1 am on Sunday after discovering vehicles blocking a road and a “large group of hooded and ‘balaclava’d’ men” while driving home.
- A resident of Whelford village, she told reporters, “They would have seen the bright headlights. They probably thought we were the police (and) panicked. It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning.”
- She said residents were aware that the base was on lockdown, stating: “A plucky amateur shouldn’t be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1 am when the air base is on high alert. I think it’s absolutely astonishing.”
- Armed police officers arrived at the scene roughly 15 minutes after being alerted, securing the area and taking the suspects into custody.
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