Five arrested after major incident at RAF Fairford airbase

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences following a major incident declared at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Police received a call about “three suspicious vehicles” heading towards the base at 00:45 BST on Sunday. Officers later detained the five men near the village of Whelford, about two miles south‑east of the airfield, and a 400 m cordon was established around several vehicles.

Bomb disposal teams have been examining a number of vehicles in the area, and aerial footage showed a remote‑controlled robot approaching two white vans in a wooded location, though police have not confirmed its use.

Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, which the BBC understands was not intelligence‑led. The men were initially detained under the Explosives Act and subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. They remain in custody and have not been named.

Dozens of homes – 85 households – were evacuated and residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre, with Cotswold District Council arranging overnight accommodation for those unable to stay with family. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said the incident appeared “contained” and that the police presence would continue for several days.

The US military said it was working closely with UK counterparts to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of US personnel and the local community.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Eric Feng / Pexels.