Archive · 27 Sep 2026
Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford as Terror Investigation Continues
Five men were arrested near a military air base in England.
Police became concerned after hearing about three suspicious vehicles traveling toward the base.
The men were first held under a law about explosives and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
Soldiers with special bomb equipment checked the vehicles.
Police moved about 85 nearby households to a leisure centre for safety.
They also placed a large cordon around the vehicles.
RAF Fairford is used by the United States Air Force and has supported operations against Iran.
Officials say the situation is contained, but they have not confirmed exactly what the men planned or whether the base was their target.
Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles.
The men were initially detained under the Explosives Act and later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
About 85 households in nearby Whelford were evacuated, while a 400-meter cordon was placed around the vehicles.
British Army explosive-ordnance specialists examined the vehicles, with footage showing a bomb-disposal robot near three white trucks.
Police said the incident appeared contained, but authorities have not confirmed a direct link to RAF Fairford or disclosed the suspects’ nationalities.
- Who
- Five men were arrested; Gloucestershire Constabulary, the Metropolitan Police Service, British Army specialists, and United States Air Force personnel are involved in the response.
- What
- A major incident was declared after three suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford, leading to arrests and an explosives and counterterrorism investigation.
- When
- Police received the initial report at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday.
- Where
- In Whelford, near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, southwestern England.
- Why
- Authorities acted because of concerns about suspicious vehicles and possible explosives; a direct connection to RAF Fairford has not been confirmed.
Confirmed Official Information
Reported Terror Threat
Connection to RAF Fairford
Confirmed Official Information
Police said the incident appeared contained but have not confirmed that the arrests were directly connected to RAF Fairford.
Reported Terror Threat
The vehicles were reportedly traveling toward the base, which has been used for US operations against Iran, prompting concern about a possible connection.
Nature of the suspected plan
Confirmed Official Information
Authorities have released few details and are continuing to examine the vehicles and investigate the circumstances.
Reported Terror Threat
The Metropolitan Police said the men were being held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, while US President Donald Trump claimed they had been under surveillance and intended to cause major damage.
- Arrests
- Five men were detained initially on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and later on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.
- Initial report
- Police received a call at about 12:45 a.m. concerning three suspicious vehicles apparently traveling toward the air base.
- Evacuation
- Around 85 households in Whelford were evacuated to a nearby leisure centre as a precaution.
- Security cordon
- A 400-meter cordon was established around the vehicles.
- Specialist examination
- British Army explosive-ordnance specialists examined several vehicles; footage appeared to show a bomb-disposal robot near three white trucks.
- RAF Fairford
- The UK-owned, US-operated base hosts the United States Air Force's 501st Combat Support Wing and 420th Air Base Squadron.
- Operational context
- The base has been used by US forces for limited operations against Iranian missile sites during the war with Iran.
Sources
Men held in 'major incident' at UK base hosting US Air Force
5 Arrested For Terrorist Activity Near UK Airbase Used By US In Iran War
Five men arrested on terror charge in UK, 85 homes evacuated near air base used by US
