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Three men arrested over terror threat at Norfolk RAF base

The Red Arrows at a previous US Air Force Independence Day celebrations at RAF Feltwell. Archant

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.

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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.

Much hard work had gone into preparations for the July 4 day and he realised there might have been some upset caused by the decision.

He said: “I cannot comment on ongoing investigations, which are in the hands of the British authorities.”

He made his decision after hearing reports from his advisers on the base.

Col Novotny said he hoped an open day event would be possible in the future. “We continue to be grateful for the huge community support we receive from the people of Norfolk and Suffolk. We are aware of this every day and thank the people of East Anglia very much.”

The air base and its neighbours, in common with British bases, remain on high alert.

The annual open day event is a rare opportunity for residents to come on to the base, with thousands attending each year.

American nationals traditionally travel from far and wide to attend the event, with fairground rides and displays from the Red Arrows planned for this year’s events. Its cancellation came in the wake of a series of high-profile terrorist incidents in recent weeks, including the shootings in Tunisia.

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.