Lyneham implicated in terror threat
Gazette & Herald
www.gazetteandherald.co.uk
19th July 2007
RAF Lyneham has been caught up in rumours that terrorist plots against Britain could take place in Wiltshire.

In a new statement released the county's police force confirmed they are investigating suspected terrorist activities and are involved in the "national efforts to combat terrorism". The statement was in response to national media reports that MI5 had been looking into a three-pronged al-Qaeda-led attack focusing on bombing a military base, storming a prison to free inmates causing panic, and to collapse the communications networks.

A Sunday newspaper claimed that RAF Lyneham was a target as the home of the UK's fleet of Hercules aircraft, which regularly fly troops to Iraq, although the base says it is unaware of any direct threats. The article also claimed that MI5 staff had trailed two men of south east Asian appearance to addresses in Swindon and Slough. The suspects have allegedly been under surveillance for some time, and have been seen driving slowly round the perimeters of military bases.

At other times they have apparently been timing various journeys and measuring distances between specific locations.

The statement issued by Wiltshire Police's Chief Superintendent Jerry Wickham said: "Wiltshire Police are aware of recent reports in the media linking the county with terrorist activity.

"Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment on specific investigations I can reassure the people of Wiltshire that there is no identified specific threat against any location or individual within the county.

"In support of the national efforts to combat terrorism Wiltshire Police is conducting a number of investigations within the county."

Spokesman for RAF Lyneham Tiggs Douglas-Sim said security levels were under constant, daily reviews. But he said security levels had been increased and then reduced in line with national policies following the recent terror attempts in London and Glasgow.

He said: "We change our security procedures accordingly. We have our own guard force and police force on site and we also work with the civilian authorities.

"We have our own intelligence people here, and although they are more focused on matters abroad, they are also concerned with what happens here."

The Sunday newspaper also listed further potential targets in the shape of RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and RAF South Cerney, a telephone exchange and what it believed to be Bullingdon Prison in Oxfordshire.

Chief Supt Wickham called on members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the police as soon as possible.

Reports can be made to Wiltshire Police by calling 0845 408 7000, or calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. There is also an anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.