UK police arrest five near US airbase

Five men are in custody after British police responded to a late-night security alert near RAF Fairford, an airbase used by US forces for long-range military operations.

Police moved quickly to secure the area in Gloucestershire after residents reported suspicious activity. Officers later found three vehicles and called in Army bomb disposal specialists. Teams evacuated nearby homes as a precaution while they examined the scene.

The UK government gave the US Air Force access to the airbase in March to carry out missile strikes on Iran.

Authorities are investigating the men on suspicion of explosives offenses and preparing for a terrorist act. Police have not identified them or released details about a possible motive.

President Donald Trump praised the arrests, saying British and American authorities had been watching the suspects.

However, British media reports said the operation may have followed a tip from residents rather than an intelligence-led investigation.

The US Embassy has urged Americans in Britain to remain alert.