Five Arrested on Terrorism Suspicion After RAF Fairford Incident
Five men were arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after suspicious vehicles were stopped near RAF Fairford.
By Claire Dubois · First published 27 Sept 2026
In brief
- Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after police stopped three vehicles.
- Army bomb disposal teams examined multiple vehicles for potential explosives near the base and several buildings were evacuated.
- Residents in Whelford were evacuated and relocated to a leisure center in Cirencester as a precaution.
- Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, with a significant police and army presence remaining at the scene.
- RAF Fairford is a UK military base used by US forces, and the incident prompted a major emergency response.
Timeline · 4 moments
Major incident declared near RAF Fairford military base
Home | GB News ↗Police arrest several men under Explosives Act near base
ABCNews.com ↗Homes in nearby Whelford evacuated as precaution
Euronews ↗Army bomb squad called to examine vehicles at the scene
The Independent ↗Update 27 Sept 2026, 3:53 pm UTC
Five men have now been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses after three suspicious vehicles were stopped near RAF Fairford. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation and the men are suspected of preparing a terrorist act.
Update 27 Sept 2026, 0:03 pm UTC
Several men have now been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford, and bomb disposal teams are examining multiple vehicles. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, and residents evacuated from Whelford have been relocated to a leisure center in Cirencester.
How it started
The incident began near RAF Fairford, a military airbase in Gloucestershire, England. The base is known for hosting the United States Air Force and is considered a sensitive site.
Authorities first became concerned after suspicious activity was detected in the area. Soon after, several men were taken into custody under suspicion of violating the Explosives Act.
The initial police response quickly escalated due to the potential risk to public safety, leading to a wider emergency response.
How it unfolded
On 27 September 2026, police declared a major incident near RAF Fairford. Officers arrested several men suspected of explosives offences, according to early reports.
Residents in the nearby village of Whelford were told to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Authorities wanted to ensure the safety of the local population while the situation was assessed.
An army bomb squad was deployed to the area. Bomb disposal experts focused on examining a number of vehicles found near the scene, as some were believed to be linked to the suspects.
Throughout the day, police maintained a cordon around the affected area. Emergency services coordinated their efforts to manage the situation and keep the public informed.
Investigations have continued, with police and army personnel working together to determine the nature and extent of any threat posed by the suspects or their possessions.
Where it stands
The situation remains active, with police and army experts still present at the site. The investigation is ongoing and authorities have not yet released details about what, if any, explosives were found.
Residents who were evacuated are awaiting further updates about when they might return to their homes. The area remains under police control as a precaution.
What to watch
Key questions remain about the motives of those arrested and whether any explosives were actually present. Authorities are expected to provide more information as the investigation progresses.
Residents and local officials are waiting for confirmation that the area is safe and for further guidance on when normal routines can resume.
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