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Five men remain in custody following their arrest near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after police received a report about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the military airbase in the early hours of Sunday, 27 September. Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation, while an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team examined the vehicles and around 85 households were evacuated as a precaution.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said the initial call was received at about 12.45am. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in the nearby village of Whelford on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Police have asked the public not to speculate while investigators establish the full circumstances.
A 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles while specialist military personnel carried out examinations. Residents from approximately 85 households were asked to leave their homes, with a nearby leisure centre opened for people who could not stay with friends or family.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said the incident was considered contained and that emergency services were working with local and national partners. The force later confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing had taken the lead in the investigation.
The police response followed a report concerning three vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Officers have not publicly disclosed the identities of the five men or provided detailed information about what investigators believe may have been planned.
Counter Terrorism Policing is now examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests. Reuters reported on Monday that the men were being questioned on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences.
Reports have also indicated that investigators are examining a possible connection to Iran. However, this remains an area of investigation and no conclusion about a motive or foreign involvement has been publicly established.
The distinction is important because the arrests and investigation do not, by themselves, establish that an attack was carried out or that those detained will ultimately face terrorism charges.
Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that authorities are continuing to gather evidence from the vehicles and surrounding area as part of the investigation.
The incident began after a local resident reportedly raised concerns about vehicles and people in the area. According to media reports, the resident contacted emergency services after seeing suspicious activity and subsequently warned neighbours through a local WhatsApp group.
The report prompted a rapid police response, with armed officers attending the area before the five arrests were made.
Police have thanked residents for their cooperation during the evacuation and urged people with relevant information to contact authorities through the appropriate channels.
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire that is also used by the United States Air Force. The base has received increased attention in recent months because of its role in US military operations connected with the conflict involving Iran.
The heightened security environment has also led to demonstrations and additional policing around the base. Gloucestershire Constabulary previously announced dedicated policing arrangements for demonstrations near RAF Fairford.
The latest arrests have therefore attracted significant attention, although investigators have yet to establish publicly whether the incident was connected to the wider international situation.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said officers were working to establish the full nature of the incident and urged the public to rely on official information.
The force said its priority remained the safety of the local community while specialist teams examined the vehicles and investigators gathered evidence.
The five men remain in custody as enquiries continue. Further information is expected as Counter Terrorism Policing assesses the evidence and determines whether additional action will be taken.
