Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after a report of suspicious vehicles. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the probe while bomb‑disposal teams inspect several vehicles and a 400m cordon remains in place. Eighty‑five households were evacuated and the Cotswold District Council arranged shelter. Authorities—including the US military—are coordinating closely and police urged against speculation as enquiries continue.
Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford in Major Counter‑Terror Probe as Bomb Squads Examine Vehicles
Aerial pictures showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area [BBC]
Five men have been detained after a major incident was declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where bomb‑disposal teams have been inspecting several vehicles and police have established a 400m safety cordon.
Gloucestershire Police said officers received a report at 00:45 BST of three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base. The five suspects were arrested near the village of Whelford, about two miles (3.2 km) south‑east of RAF Fairford. Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is leading the investigation.
[BBC]
On‑scene operation
Bomb‑disposal teams examined several parked vehicles in woodland near Whelford and a large cordon—around 400 metres—was put in place while officers worked. Aerial images circulating online appear to show a remote‑controlled robot near two white vans, though police have not officially confirmed its use.
Evacuations and local impact
Authorities evacuated 85 households in the area as a precaution. Cotswold District Council arranged overnight accommodation for residents unable to stay with family or friends; evacuees were asked to shelter at a nearby leisure centre. Several residents described being woken in the early hours and told to leave immediately.
This image has been circulating following the arrests of five men near RAF Fairford [BBC]
Legal status and investigation
The men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were later arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They remain in custody. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge while an investigation continues.
Coordination and statements
The US military said it was working closely with UK authorities to monitor the situation and protect personnel and the local community. Gloucestershire Police's temporary chief constable, Maggie Blyth, said the force would continue to assist CTP and coordinate with national partners, and she warned it was too early to draw conclusions about wider connections.
Base background
RAF Fairford, in the Cotswolds roughly four miles south of the market town of Fairford, has long been used by the US Air Force. The base has supported US operations in several conflicts and was recently authorised for use by US aircraft for operations described by officials as defensive actions related to tensions with Iran.
Key points: An active counter‑terrorism inquiry is under way, bomb‑disposal teams are examining vehicles, dozens of homes were evacuated and local and national agencies are coordinating closely. Police have asked the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
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