Marham attack '˜almost certainly terrorism', says former army commander

Police seal off a section of Ladywood Road close to RAF Marham in Norfolk, after a serviceman was threatened with a knife near to the base. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday July 21, 2016. Officers were on patrol around RAF Marham on Wednesday evening after he was threatened with the blade. See PA story POLICE Serviceman. Photo credit should read: Sam Russell/PA Wire EMN-160721-132319001

A former commanding officer has told the BBC that the attempted abduction of an RAF Marham serviceman was unlikely to be for any other motive than terrorism.

Col Richard Kemp, who is the former commanding officer of the Royal Anglian Regiment, said: “The description of the individuals is of either Middle Eastern or Asian origin which would certainly suggest the profile that’s most common to Islamic terrorists operating here in the United Kingdom.

“So I think it’s highly likely that with somebody in the vicinity of a military base – obviously a military person out running – attempted abduction is almost certainly going to be terrorism.”

Anyone who may have witnessed anything relating to the attack on Wednesday evening is urged to call dedicated hotlines set up on either 0800 056 0154 or 0207 158 0011 with any information.