Key Points: Police launched a major counter‑terrorism response after three suspicious vans were seen near RAF Fairford, prompting a 400m cordon and the evacuation of 85 homes. Five UK nationals were arrested and later bailed; petrol was recovered but no explosives were found. Residents criticised limited pre‑incident communication and reported traumatised family members, while police said their actions were proportionate and pledged information points and increased patrols as the cordon was lifted.
‘Left Like Sitting Ducks’: Counter‑Terror Operation Near RAF Fairford Evacuates 85 Homes After Suspicious Vans
Counter Terrorism Policing have been investigating the incident at RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday [Reuters]
Residents close to RAF Fairford said they were "left feeling like sitting ducks" after a major counter‑terrorism operation at the Gloucestershire airbase used by US forces. Five men were arrested after three white vans were found near the base; police later said petrol was recovered but no explosive devices were detected and the suspects were released on bail.
A couple allege two armed police officers pointed guns at them during the evacuation [BBC]
What Happened
Gloucestershire Constabulary received a report at 00:45 BST of three suspicious vehicles travelling toward RAF Fairford. Officers established a 400m (1,312ft) cordon, evacuated some 85 homes overnight and deployed bomb‑disposal teams and an army robot to inspect the vans.
An army bomb disposal robot was deployed to inspect the three suspicious white vans near RAF Fairford [BBC]
Residents’ Accounts
Local residents described a tense night. One anonymous Whelford resident said she had noticed an "uneasiness in the air" in the days beforehand and criticised a perceived lack of communication from the nearby military base. "We were left feeling like sitting ducks in whatever operation was unfolding," she said, while also praising the local authorities' conduct once officers arrived.
Five British nationals who were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences have been released on bail [Getty Images]
“Regardless of whether this was a dummy run, a staged exercise, a real threat or something else entirely, the lack of communication and care toward locals from a large military base next door feels most concerning.”
A couple who were evacuated said their child was traumatised after armed officers pointed guns at the husband when he stepped outside his home. They later found the vans had been left with doors blown off and items such as water butts and oil drums scattered nearby.
Residents say they had noticed increased security measures in the days prior to the incident [BBC]
Police Response And Official Statements
Gloucestershire Police said its armed officers raised firearms because the contents of the vans were still unknown and searches were ongoing to determine whether others were involved. "Officers responded proportionately due to the perceived threat and lowered their firearms as soon as the person was judged not to be a threat," a force spokesperson said.
[BBC]
Superintendent Jess Loxley‑Clark emphasised that firearms officers are trained to protect the public in high‑pressure situations. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said the force was limited in what it could share while the investigation remained live but that multiple information points would be set up to reassure local communities.
Investigation And Wider Context
Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed searches recovered a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices. Some government sources cited in reporting have suggested possible involvement by Iran in the incident; that claim remains part of an ongoing investigation and has not been independently verified in public reporting.
Local Concerns And Next Steps
Residents in nearby Marston Meysey — just across the Wiltshire border — said they would like more visible engagement from Wiltshire Police and regular updates. Wiltshire neighbourhood inspector Lawrence Copeland said patrols would continue and that officers were available to speak to concerned residents.
The cordon was lifted on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities asked locals not to take photos or videos during the operation and advised people to remain at home unless it was necessary to leave. Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson encouraged anyone to report suspicious activity to the force.
Note: This account summarizes publicly reported details while the investigation remains live; some operational information is being withheld by police for investigative reasons.
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