Tri-Service
Warning To Forces After Bid To Abduct Serviceman From RAF Base
Police have confirmed that two men armed with a knife tried to abduct a serviceman at an RAF base.
Detectives in Norfolk are investigating the incident, which took place at RAF Marham on Wednesday.
Norfolk Constabulary say the married member of the RAF, aged in his late 20s, was approached by two men in the afternoon, one of whom tried to grab him. After fighting off the suspect, he was able to escape. Detective Superintendent Paul Durham said:
"I can confirm we are treating this as an attempted abduction and detailed enquiries are being carried out at the scene to establish the full circumstances."
"The motivation for the attack remains unclear at this time, and whilst we are currently unable to discount terrorism, there are a number of other possible hypotheses. We are therefore carrying out a thorough investigation to understand what has happened, why and who is responsible.
"Visible patrols continue in the area and officers will be carrying out house-to-house enquiries and detailed searches of the scene in Squires Hill, which remains closed for the time being.”
The victim, who had been jogging in the area at the time, was not in uniform and was not injured.
The suspects fled the scene in a dark coloured people carrier and haven't yet been located. They're both described as being of Middle Eastern origin, and between 20 and 30 years old.
Meanwhile a leaked official memo addressed to all service personnel, seen by the Daily Mirror, warns:
"2x Asian males approached a serviceman who was running approximately 1 mile outside of RAF Marham main gate and tried to bundle him into their vehicle."
"The vehicle was a dark-coloured Ford Galaxy.
"The Asian males were carrying a knife when the serviceman was approached."
A further memo reportedly advised military staff to keep a low profile, and not to be alone on foot or on a bicycle in any uniform or clothing which identifies them as being with the forces.
An RAF spokesman refused to comment on the memos, and in a separate statement said:
"We are aware of an ongoing police operation in relation to an incident near RAF Marham. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."
One road was sealed off on Thursday and there was a heightened police presence, but the base's Families and Friends Day was going ahead, with thousands of visitors expected.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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