Residents near RAF Fairford left 'like sitting ducks'

Residents living near RAF Fairford say they have been "left feeling like sitting ducks" at the centre of major counter-terrorism probe.

Five men were arrested on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act after three vans were spotted near the Gloucestershire base, which the US military operates.

As 85 homes were evacuated in the middle of the night, one couple said their child had been left traumatised after witnessing armed police point a gun at their father. The BBC has approached Counter Terrorism Policing for comment.

However, an anonymous resident from Whelford said she "could not fault" the quick response of UK authorities, describing officers as "calm, thorough and precise".

Gloucestershire Constabulary said it had received a call about "three suspicious vehicles" travelling towards the military airbase at 00:45 BST on Sunday.

A 400m (1,312ft) cordon was established and a bomb disposal team was deployed.

The government believes Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident which resulted in five men, all UK nationals in their early 20s from London, being arrested and then bailed, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said.

Counter Terrorism Policing revealed on Tuesday a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices had been found during searches.

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