Nocturnal 
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences after a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford was uncovered in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Gloucestershire Police said they received a call at around 00:45 BST reporting “three suspicious vehicles” travelling towards the airbase, which is used by the United States Air Force. The force declared a major incident shortly afterwards, and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is now leading the investigation.
According to the Mirror, a local farmer spotted men “hanging around” on a country lane and called 999, also warning neighbours to lock their doors before the arrests were made. The force has not confirmed the identities of those detained.
What happened at the scene
Armed police arrested the five men, who remain in custody on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and preparation of a terrorist act, Gloucestershire Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone confirmed. Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting three white vans, some with their rear doors open, and black barrels visible nearby, as first reported by the BBC.
A 400-metre cordon was put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team carried out examinations. More than 80 households in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated to a leisure centre, and residents were told they would not be able to return home overnight, the BBC reported. Police said officers had even ferried pets left behind to their owners.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the investigation was in its “early stages” and that officers were “working closely” with partners to establish what happened. The Hereford Times, citing the Press Association, reported that the operation was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had no advance knowledge of a plot.
Possible motive and reaction
Counter-terror officers are reportedly examining whether there is any link to Iran, though this remains unconfirmed. RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force to launch strikes on Iranian targets since March, and the base has previously been the focus of protests over that role, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly warning Britain against allowing US bombers to fly from it back in July.
US President Donald Trump claimed the men had been “under view for a long time”, telling reporters: “They were looking to do big damage. We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.” His remarks have not been independently verified by UK authorities.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as “deeply concerning” and is said to be receiving regular updates, according to the Hereford Times. A spokesperson for the USAF said personnel at the base “remain vigilant” but declined to discuss specific security measures.
Where things stand now
All five men remain in custody as of Sunday evening while forensic examinations of the vehicles continue. Police have stressed the incident is believed to be contained, and evacuated residents are expected to remain out of their homes overnight while the investigation continues. No charges have yet been announced, and further updates are expected from Gloucestershire Police and CTP in the coming days.
