The US government has warned its citizens in Britain to “exercise caution” following an alleged bomb plot targeting an RAF base used by American bombers during strikes on Iran.
The US Embassy in London said it was “aware” of the arrest of five men near RAF Fairford, who are alleged to have been planning to cause “big damage” to US forces.
Americans in the UK were urged to remain vigilant and follow advice from local authorities.
In a statement issued on Monday, the embassy said: “US citizens are encouraged to exercise caution and be mindful of personal security.
“US citizens are advised to follow instructions of local authorities for their personal safety and security.
“We remind US citizens that UK authorities rate the threat of terrorism in the UK as severe. US-associated facilities, gatherings, and organisations may be at heightened risk.”
On Sunday, Donald Trump appeared to nod when asked whether the suspects were migrants, but did not directly answer the question. He said: “We know all about them.”
It comes as Wes Streeting urged the public to give police “a bit of time” to complete their investigation.
He told LBC: “We will be transparent with the public about the identities of these individuals and their background […] we will say as much as we can as fast as we can.
“But just give the police a bit of time to do their jobs successfully. We want to make sure that we are able to successfully prosecute those who would do us harm.”
Five men were arrested on terrorism offences over the alleged bomb plot near RAF Fairford, as counter-terror police investigate whether the foiled attack was linked to Iran.
The suspected bomb plot prompted the evacuation of 85 homes near the base in Whelford, Gloucestershire, on Sunday morning.
The suspects were arrested on suspicion of explosive offences, and counter-terror police are now looking into whether Iran was involved, LBC understands.
The village is near the RAF Fairford base, which also hosts the United States Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing, and 85 residents were evacuated to a local leisure centre.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said it was “fantastic working with Britain”, describing it as an “amazing job”.
He added: “They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.
“It may have been Scotland Yard, I don’t know. We worked with a lot of them. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them. Thank you.”
In response to Mr Trump’s praise, Mr Streeting told LBC: “I will say that was a proud moment yesterday for the President of the United States to recognise the professionalism of our police and security services here in this country.
“It was both a reflection of the quality of the work that they do, but also a reflection of the closeness of our alliance with the United States and the close work we do together on defence and security.
“I was very proud to see their work recognised in that way.”
Police were alerted to three suspicious vans by a farmer who called police after she saw them “blocking the road” when she was driving home in the early hours.
The Fairford resident, who asked not to be named, said: “They would have seen the bright headlights. They probably thought we were the police and panicked.
“It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning.
“A plucky amateur shouldn’t be spotting an unusual bit of activity at 1am when the air base is on high alert. I think it’s absolutely astonishing.”
A spokesperson for the US Air Force told LBC that it remains vigilant and would “take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security” of its members, civilians, contractors, and their families.
