Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following reports of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The incident began at around 12.45am on Sunday, September 27, when police received a report concerning three vehicles that appeared to be heading towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers were deployed and five men were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.
Residents evacuated as cordon established
Residents in a small village near the RAF base were woken at 6.30am on Sunday and told they had to evacuate their homes. A 400-metre cordon has been established around the vehicles while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team examines them. As a precaution, approximately 85 households have been evacuated from the surrounding area.
A nearby leisure centre has been opened to provide a safe space for anyone evacuated and unable to go to friends or relatives. Gloucestershire Police said the leisure centre had been opened as a safe location for residents unable to stay with friends or relatives.
Police urge public not to speculate
Deputy assistant commissioner Vicki Evans, counter terrorism policing's senior national coordinator, said: "The emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. A cordon is in place as a precaution and the public can expect to see an emergency services presence in the area for some time."
Assistant chief constable Richard Ocone said emergency services had "well-rehearsed plans" for dealing with major incidents and urged members of the public not to speculate while the investigation continued. "We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates," he said.
The situation is understood by police to be contained, although a significant emergency-services presence remains in the area. Reports from the scene have described armed officers, emergency vehicles and specialist teams operating around Whelford.
Security measures at US-linked bases
There are heightened security measures at US-linked military facilities in Britain. RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk has confirmed that it is currently operating at Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, the second-highest security condition used by the US Department of Defence. Under the US system, FPCON Charlie applies when an incident or intelligence indicates that some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities is likely.
Reports have also said that RAF Fairford has been placed at FPCON Delta, the highest level. However, the precise status and circumstances surrounding any change to Fairford's force-protection condition have not been fully detailed publicly by US authorities. FPCON Delta is used when a terrorist attack has occurred in the immediate area or intelligence indicates that terrorist action against a specific location or individual is imminent.
The distinction is significant, but authorities have not publicly established that the arrests in Whelford were connected to the heightened security posture at RAF Fairford. The US Air Force has said its personnel remain vigilant but declined to discuss specific force-protection measures for operational-security reasons.
Political response and next steps
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the incident was "being dealt with" and thanked emergency and specialist teams for responding quickly. He said the response demonstrated why emergency services and the Armed Forces remain prepared to respond around the clock.
A Government spokesperson said authorities were grateful to the emergency services for acting quickly to detain the suspects and protect the local community. "It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst investigations are ongoing," the spokesperson said.
South Cotswolds Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage also said she had contacted police for further information and had been told the incident was believed to be contained. She thanked officers and other emergency workers involved in the response.
Counter Terrorism Policing is appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report it through the official Action Counters Terrorism reporting service or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
With five men in custody and specialist officers still examining the vehicles, investigators are expected to focus on establishing exactly what prompted the arrests, what was contained in the vehicles, and whether there was any intended target. For now, authorities are stressing that the investigation remains at an early stage and are urging the public to rely on official updates rather than speculation.
