A local vicar has called for prayer and peace after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in connection with an ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.
Fairford is a small market town of around 5,000 people and is situated close to the airbase used by the US military.
Rev Caroline Symcox, team vicar at St Mary's Church in Fairford, spoke to Premier Christian News about the impact of the incident on the local community and the church's response.
She said she first heard about the incident shortly after leading the church's 8am service on Sunday. The incident has had a more direct impact on residents of nearby Whelford, where people were evacuated from their homes while police investigated three vehicles.
Rev Symcox said for members of her Fairford congregation, “there's not really a sense of fear or alarm,” she said. “Everybody is very much in a keep calm and carry on kind of mindset.”
She said people living close to the RAF base were aware that it could potentially be a target and were accustomed to paying attention to unusual activity in the area.
“You are aware that it is a potential target. You are alert to strange things,” she said.
Police are investigating multiple possible lines of inquiry, including whether there could be an Iranian connection, although no motive has been established and Iran has denied involvement.
The incident has had a more direct impact on residents of Whelford, with those evacuated being offered accommodation at Cirencester Leisure Centre, while others have found places to stay with friends and family.
Rev Symcox said the local community was also looking for practical ways to support those who had been displaced, including providing toys for children.
She highlighted the work of her curate, Katie, who is currently supporting the Whelford community because it does not currently have a vicar.
“Please do pray for the communities around here, especially the community of Welford,” Rev Symcox said. “They've been displaced, they've been out of their homes.”
She said the church had already begun praying for those affected, with a community prayer group meeting on Sunday evening and further opportunities to pray during the week.
During the church's Sunday morning service, prayers were offered for the local community, those evacuated, RAF personnel and the security services investigating the incident.
“What we prayed for was for first and foremost peace, for the protection and well-being of that community that's been affected, for the airbase and all of the personnel there, and for the security services as they learn more,” she said.
Police have urged the public and media not to speculate about the circumstances or motive while enquiries are ongoing.
