Five men were arrested by armed officers early on Sunday after police stopped three vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford, a United States Air Force facility in Gloucestershire, in an operation that has prompted a counterterrorism investigation.
Operation and arrests
Police declared a major incident after the arrests and asked residents in nearby areas to leave their homes; around 85 properties were reported to have been evacuated. Officers said the men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act contrary to section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
A British army bomb disposal team used robotic equipment to examine three white vans at the scene in the village identified in reports variously as Welford or Whelford, which lies close to the base.
“At around 12.45am today, police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles, which appeared to be travelling towards the air base.”
Intelligence lines and international context
Detectives leading the response have been reported to be exploring whether the incident could be connected to Iran. Investigators say they are keeping an open mind, but one line of inquiry is understood to consider whether the presence of US aircraft at RAF Fairford, and the base’s use for operations that have targeted Iranian assets, is relevant to the alleged plot.
The incident comes after heightened tensions earlier in the year, when four USAF bombers were based at Fairford following permission granted in the spring for the US to undertake “defensive” action from UK airfields. In July the British government warned it was prepared to defend the UK after Iran described airbases used by US forces as potential targets.
“They were looking to do big damage to our fort, and working with the British worked out great.”
The comment above was made by the US president, who praised the joint effort between UK and US authorities and said the suspects had been under investigation.
On-scene response and public safety measures
Armed officers attended the scene after a call about suspicious vehicles. The police statement set out the sequence of events leading to the arrests and the involvement of specialist search teams to examine the vans. No declaration of a terrorist incident had been made publicly by Sunday night.
- Number arrested: Five men
- Properties evacuated: Around 85 homes
- Items examined: Three white vans by bomb disposal officers
| Detail | Reported figure / description |
|---|---|
| Time of initial call | About 12.45am |
| Location | Village near RAF Fairford (Welford / Whelford) |
| Legal basis for further arrest | Preparation of a terrorist act (section 5, Terrorism Act) |
Legal and investigative course
Counterterrorism detectives and local investigators are continuing enquiries. As is standard in terrorism-related operations, police are pursuing forensic examinations and intelligence checks. No charges have been reported at this time, and the detained men must be treated as suspects pending the outcome of the inquiry and any subsequent charging decisions.
The presence of US military assets at RAF Fairford and recent diplomatic tensions with Iran mean the investigation will likely attract close attention from national security officials. Authorities have not confirmed a motive and have emphasised their intention to explore multiple lines of inquiry.
Residents affected by the evacuations were assisted by emergency services while searches and examinations were carried out. Further updates are expected as detectives progress the investigation and consider whether charges will be brought.
