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RAF Fairford: What happens next to the five terror suspects?

A photo purporting to show the moment five men were arrested <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
A photo purporting to show the moment five men were arrested (Image: Supplied)
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Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act in a major incident at RAF Fairford near Swindon.

At around 12.45am on Sunday, September 27, police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles which appeared to be travelling towards the air base.

Armed police responded and five men were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act. They were further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

The national incident has seen US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting all respond.

Here's everything we know so far about the five arrested.

What will happen next to men arrested in terrorism probe?

The arrests were originally made by Gloucestershire Constabulary, but the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorism Police.

A photo purporting to show the moment five men were arrested has been circulating on social media, and shows them shirtless and seated on the ground with their hands cuffed behind their backs.

The BBC said it has been unable to verify the original source, but BBC Verify has geolocated the image and confirmed it appeared to be authentic.

Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans has confirmed an investigation is underway and five men remain in custody at this time.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism suspects in the UK can be held in custody for up to 14 days without being charged.

If the investigation requires more time, police can then apply for a warrant for further detention of another 14 days.

The five men arrestedA photo purporting to show the moment five men were arrested (Image: Supplied)

If any charges are made, the case will then be heard initially in a magistrates' court before being sent up to crown court.

As with similar high-profile cases such as this, it's likely that any potential hearing would take place at the Old Bailey court in London.

At this stage, a 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit conduct examinations.

Around 85 households have also been evacuated.

“A nearby leisure centre has been opened for those who are unable to stay with family or friends," said Gloucestershire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone.

Gloucestershire Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone told reporters: “Work to establish the full nature of this incident is ongoing, and we are in constant communication with our partners, both locally and nationally. In particular, we are working closely with our partners in counter-terrorism policing.

“Gloucester Police’s focus at this time is on the local communities, and I’d like to thank the residents who have left their homes this morning for their understanding and support.

“We appreciate the disruption that this will have caused to both them and other local residents in the area, and would like to reassure them that we are working as quickly as we can to get them back into their properties.

“We would also please ask the public not to speculate, but to follow official channels for all updates."

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