Five arrested after major incident near US-linked RAF Fairford base in UK

British counter-terrorism police launched an investigation on Sunday after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford

LONDON: British counter-terrorism police launched an investigation on Sunday after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, authorities said.

The arrests were made in the early hours after emergency services received a report about three suspicious vehicles believed to be travelling towards the air base, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.

Armed officers detained the suspects near the Royal Air Force base, while the men were initially held on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Police subsequently confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing was leading the investigation into the incident.

Authorities advised around 85 households in the nearby village of Whelford to leave their homes as a precaution. Army bomb disposal specialists were also deployed to examine three vans that had been stopped on a rural road close to the base.

A 400-metre cordon was established around the area as police and specialist teams assessed the situation. Aerial television footage showed a bomb disposal robot operating near the vehicles, with two of the vans appearing to have their rear doors open.

Police said the incident was believed to have been contained, while armed officers were deployed around the entrance to RAF Fairford.

Gloucestershire Police had earlier declared the situation a “major incident” following the arrests. Authorities have not disclosed details about the identities of those detained or provided further information about what allegedly prompted the arrests.

Residents of Whelford were taken to a nearby leisure centre after being evacuated from their homes.

Local resident Julian Tudsbery told that police arrived at his home at around 7am and instructed him to leave. He said another resident had noticed the suspicious vehicles during the night and attempted to contact airbase police before calling emergency services.

RAF Fairford is associated with the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing, an administrative support unit. The US Air Force said none of its personnel were involved in the incident.

The 501st Combat Support Wing said it appreciated the rapid response from local law enforcement and remained in coordination with British authorities to support the safety of military personnel and surrounding communities.

The incident also prompted a response from government officials. A government spokesperson said the prime minister was being kept informed and praised emergency services for acting quickly to detain the suspects and protect local residents.

Defence Minister Wes Streeting also thanked the emergency and specialist teams involved in the operation, saying the situation was being handled by the relevant authorities.

Local MP Roz Savage described the developments as concerning and said she had contacted police for further updates. She was told that authorities believed the incident had been contained.

The incident comes amid wider concerns in Britain and across Europe over potential hostile activities and security threats involving foreign states. British officials have previously raised concerns about alleged proxy activity and other forms of hostile operations on UK territory.

Reports have also highlighted a rise in drone activity around British military facilities. Authorities have not publicly attributed all such incidents to a particular country or organisation.

Investigators are continuing to examine the vehicles and other evidence as part of the counter-terrorism inquiry. Police have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed against the five arrested men.