Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Five British Nationals Arrested Over RAF Fairford Threat
Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in England after police stopped three suspicious vehicles.
The men are British nationals in their 20s and are from London.
Police suspect they may have broken explosives laws and prepared for a terrorist act.
Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation.
A security cordon and many emergency resources remain at the site.
A local farmer alerted authorities after seeing hooded and masked men near a treeline.
Officials thanked her but said she saw only part of what happened.
Investigators are still trying to understand what the men knew and why they were there.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing said the five arrested men are British nationals in their 20s and based in London.
Armed officers intercepted three suspicious vehicles travelling toward RAF Fairford near Whelford, Gloucestershire, on Sunday.
The men are suspected of offences under the UK Explosives Act and preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
A major investigation involving police, the Ministry of Defence, military assets and local agencies remains underway.
Authorities have not established the suspects’ motivations, while Donald Trump said they were allegedly seeking to cause major damage.
- Who
- Five British men in their 20s, described as London-based, were arrested; Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation.
- What
- Three suspicious vehicles were intercepted, and the men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.
- When
- The vehicles were intercepted on Sunday, and Counter Terrorism Policing issued its update on Monday, September 28.
- Where
- Near RAF Fairford in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire, south-west England.
- Why
- Police are investigating the suspects’ activities, knowledge and possible motivation; these have not yet been established.
Official Caution
Public and Political Concern
Understanding the incident
Official Caution
Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation is complex and that officers are still establishing the suspects’ activities, knowledge and motivation.
Public and Political Concern
A local farmer said she believed her emergency call after seeing hooded and masked men had prevented the suspects’ plans.
Operational claims
Official Caution
UK officials urged people to avoid speculation, with Wes Streeting saying the farmer had only a partial picture and declining to discuss operational security.
Public and Political Concern
Donald Trump said the men were under investigation and were allegedly looking to cause major damage to the base.
Security significance
Official Caution
Police said the continuing deployment and disruption were necessary for national security and local safety.
Public and Political Concern
The incident has prompted scrutiny and geopolitical speculation, particularly because RAF Fairford has been used for United States operations against Iran and had previously faced threats.
- Arrests
- Five men
- Nationality
- British
- Ages
- In their 20s
- Location
- Whelford, Gloucestershire, near RAF Fairford
- Suspected offences
- UK Explosives Act offences and preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act
- Lead agency
- Counter Terrorism Policing
- Investigation status
- The suspects were held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, with a custody extension secured until later Monday