British police probe terror plot after five arrested near military air base

UPDATE - follow-up to Police evacuate homes near U.S. air base in England, detain men on suspected explosives offences: British counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation after five men were arrested in the early hours near an air base in southwest England on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Armed officers detained the group following a call about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Army bomb disposal experts were called to the scene, and about 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford were advised to evacuate. London's Metropolitan Police stated that the suspects were initially held for explosives offences. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is being kept updated on the situation, while Defence Minister Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams on X. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the suspects were under investigation and aimed to do significant damage to the base. The 501st Combat Support Wing confirmed that no U.S. air force personnel were involved in the incident.