A man has been arrested after a fuel-filled van was stopped by police – who remain on ‘high alert’ following the incident at RAF Fairford.
Officers surrounded the white Peugeot Partner in Swindon after reports of a theft at the BP service station in Marlborough Road on Sunday (27 September).
A lange tank full of fuel was was found in the back of the vehicle, as was a gas canister – sparking a significant emergency response.
Many police vehicles were in attendance, with officers closing the road and cordoning the area off. Four fire engines and two fire officers were also sent to the incident.
On investigation, no action was required and firefighters were stood down according to Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
It’s believed officers were on high alert following the incident at RAF Fairford that same morning, where it’s claimed fuel thieves were mistaken for terrorists.
Three vans filled with barrels were intercepted by armed police in Whelford after a concerned local residence called in their presence – sparking a terror probe.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that they were responding to the theft of fuel from the BP service station, which happened at around 5pm.
The fire service weren’t called to the scene until 7.19pm and the road remained closed at gone 8pm.
The force added that the white Peugeot Expert van was stopped outside the nearby Holiday Inn.
“A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and for possession of a Class B drug”, a spokesperson confirmed.
Adding: “He remains in custody for questioning.”
