Five arrested near UK airbase used by US

British police arrested five men on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences near a US airbase on Sunday after receiving a tip-off about three suspicious vans heading towards the military airfield, which has been used by the United States to strike Iran. Counter Terrorism Policing said police received a call about three vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford in western England in the early hours. Armed officers arrested five men, who were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Police said the incident was contained and that a 400-metre cordon had been placed around the base while bomb disposal officers examined the vans. Residents of 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated, while armed officers patrolled the area. "We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody," Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Vicki Evans said. "As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident." US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been looking to do "big damage" and had been under investigation by British and US authorities. "The arrest in the UK was fantastic," Trump told reporters, describing it as "an amazing job". He said the suspects had been under observation for a long time and that cooperation between British and US authorities had led to their arrests. The British police have not publicly identified who they believe was involved. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive was considered the most likely, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot were also being examined. Security was also increased at other US-used bases, with armoured vehicles and soldiers seen at the gates of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England. The British government has authorised the US to use bombers based at Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. It said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being updated on the incident. Britain said in July that its armed forces were ready to protect the country from any attack after Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned it against allowing US bombers to fly from Fairford, saying any base used to launch attacks would be a legitimate target. A local farmer told the Daily Telegraph she had alerted police after seeing vans and men acting suspiciously while returning from a party. Local councillor Tristan Wilkinson said there had been a recent security alert at Fairford and surveillance had been stepped up. A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures but said the 501st Combat Support Wing and other UK-based wings remained vigilant and would take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of US personnel, civilians, contractors and their families.