The five men were initially arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act. Police gave no details as to the nationality of those arrested. A 400-meter cordon has been put in place around the three vehicles that raised suspicion while the army conducts examinations. As a precaution, around 85 households have been evacuated whilst these examinations take place. The local Gloucestershire police force said the situation appeared to be "contained".
Aerial footage from Sky News appeared to show a bomb disposal robot roaming between three white trucks. The rear doors of two of the vans were open and large black items could be seen scattered around. The robot appeared to be working toward getting access to the third truck. Residents in a number of properties in Whelford have been taken to a nearby recreation center. Julian Tudsbery, a resident of Whelford, reported seeing three "suspicious vans" in the village in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The arrests come at a time of heightened tensions around the threat from hostile states to the UK, with Russia and Iran among those that have used proxies to commit crimes on their behalf on British soil. In March, officials said the number of national security cases involving activity by hostile states including Iran increased 50% in the six months to December 2025. The UK government allowed the American military to use the Fairford base to strike Iranian missile sites after the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28.
Vicki Evans, the Met's deputy assistant commissioner, said the police are in the early stages of an investigation and five men remain in custody. She said the police are working closely with their partners to understand the circumstances of the incident. A spokesperson for the US Air Force said US and British personnel "remain vigilant" and will take appropriate actions to ensure safety of all those at the base.
Britain's Defense Secretary Wes Streeting thanked the emergency and specialist teams who responded to the incident. "We can be reassured that this is being dealt with," he said. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is receiving updates on the situation, his office said. The base is UK-owned and US-operated under an agreement dating back to the Cold War. Fairford has been used by American forces for strictly limited strikes during the war with Iran.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of the air base and the threat posed by hostile states. The police investigation is ongoing, and further details are yet to be released. The US and UK have increased security measures in response to the heightened threat level. The situation remains under control, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Key points
- Five men arrested near RAF Fairford air base on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act
- Arrests made amid heightened tensions around threat from hostile states to UK
- US and British personnel "remain vigilant" and taking measures to ensure safety at the base
