What we know about RAF Fairford counter-terror probe

Five Arrested as Counter-Terrorism Investigation Focuses on RAF Fairford Area

Ninoda.com – A major counter-terrorism operation is under way near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism-related offences.

The incident, centred on the village of Whelford close to the airbase, prompted the evacuation of 85 households and brought a substantial police, bomb disposal and emergency service presence to the area. Investigators are continuing to examine several vehicles while a security cordon remains in place.

How the incident unfolded

Police received a report at 00:45 BST on Sunday concerning three vehicles considered suspicious as they travelled in the direction of RAF Fairford. Armed officers later detained five men near Whelford, around two miles south-east of the base.

The suspects were first held over alleged offences under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. All five remain in custody, though their identities and the location where they are being held have not been made public.

Counter Terrorism Policing has taken charge of the inquiry. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said officers were working with partner organisations to establish the circumstances surrounding the operation.

Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said efforts to determine the full nature of the incident were still continuing. He indicated that emergency crews would remain in the area for some time.

Vehicles examined by bomb disposal teams

Specialist bomb disposal personnel were sent to Whelford to inspect a number of vehicles. A 400m cordon, equivalent to roughly 1,312ft, was established around the examination area.

Aerial images showed what appeared to be a remote-controlled robot moving towards two white vans parked in a wooded location. Police have not confirmed whether the device was being used as part of the operation.

The continued examination of the vehicles is central to the safety response. Restrictions and evacuations have been maintained while specialists assess whether any risk remains to residents, responders or the nearby military facility.

Residents moved to a leisure centre

People forced from their homes were directed to a nearby leisure centre. Some residents said police woke them during the night and told them to leave immediately, giving little time to prepare.

“We just had to throw our clothes on and come. We didn’t know anything,” said Jo, a resident who gave only her first name.

“It all happened very quickly. We just packed our stuff up and came here,” said another resident, Jason.

Several evacuees were still in pyjamas at the centre. Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson said there was a possibility that some residents could need to stay away from home overnight while the affected area was made safe.

One Whelford resident said she contacted police after seeing three vans blocking the road and a large group of men wearing hoods and balaclavas. She said she had been driving home in the early hours of Sunday when she encountered people in the road.

“They would have seen the bright headlights,” she said. “They probably thought we were the police (and) panicked.”

“It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning,” she added.

Another local resident, Jeff, said he heard shouting outside his home before looking from his window and seeing people being held by police. He said he could not be certain exactly where the noise had originated.

Image examined near runway access

An image circulating after the arrests appeared to show five men being detained in Whelford. Its original source could not be verified, but examination of the scene placed it near Crash Gate 6A, about 350m from runway access at RAF Fairford.

The location illustrates why the investigation has drawn such serious attention. RAF Fairford sits in the Cotswolds, roughly four miles south of the town of Fairford, beside the River Coln. The base has a long-standing connection with the US military and has recently served as a staging point for American aircraft undertaking defensive strikes on Iran.

Its military importance means events nearby are being treated with particular urgency, although authorities have not publicly described any alleged target, device or wider plan.

Political response and the continuing investigation

US President Donald Trump said those arrested were “looking to do big damage” and added that they had been under observation for a long time before being detained.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the incident as “deeply concerning” and said the government would always take such matters seriously.

For residents, the immediate concern remains when they can safely return home. For investigators, the priority is to establish what the vehicles contained, what the five men were doing near RAF Fairford, and whether anyone else was involved. Until that work is complete, the cordon and visible emergency response are expected to remain an important part of the operation.