Five men are in custody after police acted on a tip about suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, sparking a large cordon and evacuations.
Five men were detained after three vans were reported moving toward the United States-operated airfield at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in the early hours of Sunday27 September. The alert was logged at approximately 00:45 GMT and prompted the immediate deployment of armed police, Counter Terrorism Policing officers and specialised bomb-disposal teams to the hamlet of Whelford.
The incident mattered because RAF Fairford hosts U.S. Air Force assets and has been used for operations that attracted international attention. The deployment raised local safety concerns and activated protocols designed to protect both community members and a high-value military facility.
Immediate response and arrests
Within minutes of the initial call, officers established a security perimeter and detained five men in Whelford. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and, subsequently, on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Police implemented a 400 m cordon around the three vans while an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and other specialists examined the vehicles. A wheeled robotic unit from the Army was observed operating around the vans during the search. The five remain in custody; under terrorism legislation they face extended detention powers that could keep them held for up to 14 days without charge, potentially into mid-October if necessary.
Local impact and evacuation
As a precaution, around 85 households were ordered to evacuate and were directed to a nearby leisure centre, which acted as an emergency shelter offering refreshments. Local authorities arranged continued supplies while the cordon remained in place to ensure residents could return safely once the area was cleared.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson described the episode as “destabilising” and said the disruption was unprecedented for the community. Local officials and emergency services coordinated to deliver practical support during the operation.
Evidence, vehicle contents and suspects
Bomb-disposal teams reported finding open rear doors on the vans, large black barrels and other items that officers deemed suspicious. Forensic teams conducted detailed examinations of the vehicles and the immediate surroundings to collect evidence.
Initial custody records indicated the arrested men are British nationals in their twenties: a 24-year-old from Camden, three individuals aged 23, 24 and 25 from Westminster, and another 24-year-old from Willesden. They were held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act with custody extended for further questioning as enquiries progressed.
Official statements and political reaction
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, identified as the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing said the operational response was extensive and urged the public to allow investigators space to work. She described the response as large-scale and complex, reflecting cooperation between local forces, national agencies and military specialists.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his social-media platform to reassure the public that community safety remained a top priority and asked people not to speculate while the investigation continued. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting thanked the emergency services for their professionalism and highlighted the “well-rehearsed plans” that enabled the rapid, coordinated response.
Across the Atlantic, Former President Donald Trump commented on the arrests. He described the outcome as “fantastic” and in some brief remarks said the suspects had been under surveillance, while other statements suggested a claim they planned to cause what he called “big damage” to the base.
Context: RAF Fairford, U.S. presence and security concerns
RAF Fairford regularly hosts the U.S. Air Force 501st Combat Support Wing which confirmed it remained vigilant but declined to provide tactical details about base protections. The airfield has been linked earlier in the year with U.S. bomber operations and has attracted attention over regional military activity.
Investigators are examining possible motives, including whether the incident had any connection to tensions involving Iran; officials said there had been no prior intelligence warning specifically about this event. Other lines of inquiry being considered included potential hostile-state activity or other extremist motivations, and investigators analysed seized materials to determine the exact nature of any planned attack.
Police asked anyone with information to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline at 0800 789 321 or to submit details via the government website. Ultimo aggiornamento: 28 September 2026.
