Counter-terrorism officers are investigating after police stopped three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford and arrested five men on explosives allegations.
FAIRFORD, ENGLAND — Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford early Sunday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after police received a report of three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be traveling toward the military air base, British counter-terrorism authorities said.
Counter Terrorism Policing said officers received the call at about 12:45 a.m. Sept. 27 and armed police responded in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire. The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act and were later further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Authorities said the men remained in custody as investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior national coordinator, said the investigation remained at an early stage. Counter-terrorism officers were working with Gloucestershire Police and other agencies to gather evidence from the scene and maintain public safety. Authorities had not publicly identified the five men or announced specific criminal charges as of Sunday.
The arrests prompted a major emergency response in the area around Whelford, a village close to RAF Fairford. Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution, and the British Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team examined vehicles connected to the incident. Police established a cordon while specialists carried out their work and said they believed the situation was contained.
The investigation drew particular attention because of RAF Fairford’s military role. The Royal Air Force installation hosts U.S. Air Force personnel and has been used by American military aircraft. The base has also been used during U.S. operations connected to the conflict with Iran, adding to existing security concerns surrounding the installation. British authorities, however, had not established publicly that Sunday’s arrests were connected to Iran or to any previous military operation.
Security was visibly tightened around the base as the investigation continued. Armed officers restricted access near RAF Fairford, while police, ambulances and fire crews gathered in the surrounding area. Bomb disposal specialists were also seen working near vehicles under examination. The emergency response and evacuations were precautionary measures while investigators assessed whether any continuing danger remained.
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said personnel at RAF Fairford and other U.S.-supported installations in Britain remained vigilant. The Air Force declined to discuss specific protective measures, citing operational security, but said it continually evaluates potential threats and adjusts safeguards intended to protect military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and their families.
British government officials said they were receiving updates on the incident and thanked emergency personnel for their response. The government said it would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation was underway. Police also had not publicly disclosed what, if anything, bomb disposal specialists found while examining the vehicles.
The five men remained in custody Sunday as counter-terrorism investigators gathered evidence and sought to establish why the vehicles were near RAF Fairford. Authorities had not announced the suspects’ identities, a suspected motive or a confirmed connection between the alleged activity and the air base, leaving those questions unresolved as the investigation continued.
Author note: Last updated September 27, 2026.