Police given more time to question Fairford suspects

Counter-terrorism detectives have been given more time to question five men arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as the investigation into what happened in the early hours of Sunday continues.

Counter Terrorism Policing said on Monday that a custody extension had been granted, and that specialist investigators had worked at the scene overnight.

What we know

Three vehicles were reported travelling towards the airbase at about 12.45am on Sunday. Five British men from London, aged between 23 and 25, were later arrested in the village of Whelford, near the base.

They were first arrested under the Explosives Act. They are also being held on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism, an offence under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, which allows police to hold suspects for longer while they are questioned.

Around 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution while army bomb disposal teams examined the vehicles, using a robot to check them from a safe distance behind a cordon.

New lines of enquiry

Police said multiple new lines of enquiry had been identified, and that military assets had been deployed at the location. The cordon remained in place on Monday, with a review planned.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the operation was "hugely complex and large-scale", involving local and national police forces and the Ministry of Defence.

What we do not know

Police have not said what the men are suspected of planning, or what, if anything, was found in the vehicles. Investigators are reported to be examining possible links to hostile states or groups, and no motive has been confirmed.

US President Donald Trump praised the operation. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has urged the public not to speculate, and the defence secretaries of both countries have spoken about the incident.

What happens next

Under terrorism legislation, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge, with warrants of further detention approved by a court. The men must either be charged, released on bail or released without further action by the end of that period.

Counter Terrorism Policing has asked anyone with information to report it through its confidential online reporting service or by calling the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.