Five arrested after suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford base

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and of offences under the Explosives Act after three “suspicious vehicles” were reported heading towards RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The incident was declared a major emergency at about 00:45 BST on Sunday. Dozens of homes in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated and a 400 m cordon was established around the site, where an Army explosive ordnance disposal team and a hazardous‑area response team were deployed.

Counter‑terrorism policing and Gloucestershire Constabulary said the five suspects remain in custody and the investigation is in its early stages. A temporary chief constable described the situation as “contained”.

Residents were taken to a local leisure centre and told they would not be able to return home overnight. Witnesses reported seeing three white vans and men in masks near the base, and a remote‑controlled robot was seen approaching the vehicles, although police have not confirmed its use.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed contact with his US counterpart, and the US Department of Defence raised the threat level at RAF Lakenheath to its second‑highest category. The incident is not believed to have been intelligence‑led.

Source: BBC News. Photo: Ruyan Ayten / Pexels.