Three men arrested over terror threat at Norfolk RAF base

From the Eastern Daily Press, a very good newspaper covering East Anglia and another local paper Lynn News

Three men have been arrested in connection with terror threats which forced the cancellation of US Air Force Independence Day celebrations at a Norfolk RAF base. The event, which takes place at RAF Feltwell and brings thousands of people into the area, was cancelled earlier this month following a raised security threat level, according to a spokesman for the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath.

Three men were arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command on Tuesday on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

The EDP understands the arrests were as a result of plans to target a USAF facility around the date of the July 4 open day at RAF Feltwell.

The decision to cancel the open day was taken by the commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, Col Robert Novotny. He said he was saddened that the event had to be abandoned.

The three men arrested, under the Terrorism Act, remain in custody after officers applied late on Wednesday for a warrant of further detention which was granted by the court.

One man in his 20s was arrested at a business address in Letchworth, Hertfordshire; the other two men – one in his 20s and the other in his 30s – were arrested shortly after at two separate residential addresses in the Luton area.

Officers from the UK’s national counter terrorism network, led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) and supported by colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and Eastern Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit, carried out the operation. They were also assisted by officers from the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command. No shots were fired.

A spokesman for the Met said the arrests, and searches of properties in the Luton area, are part of an ongoing investigation into Islamist-related terrorism but as this was an active investigation was not able to release any further information at this stage.

Col. David Eaglin, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander, said they will continue to work with their UK counterparts to keep local communities safe. He said: “While we were certainly looking forward to this year’s celebration and hosting the US and UK communities at RAF Feltwell, we have to put public safety first and foremost.”

The men remain in custody after a warrant to hold them for a further seven days was granted by the magistrates on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the plot target.