UPDATE UK Evacuates 85 Homes After Arrests Near RAF Fairford Picture courtesy of Thairath British police arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the explosives act near RAF Fairford, a major air base that hosts US forces in south-west England, Gloucestershire Police said on Sunday. The arrests were made in the Whelford area, a village about 2 miles from the base. Police said a number of properties were being evacuated after a major incident was declared, following the detention of several men. Officers said the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was examining vehicles connected to the incident. Arrests Trigger Local EvacuationsPolice said armed officers put in place a cordon around the suspects’ vehicles. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said officers acted after receiving a call about three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the base at 12:45 a.m. A 400m cordon was established while explosives experts examined the vehicles, Ocone said. Around 85 households were evacuated as a precaution, police added. He said the five men remain in custody and were arrested on suspicion of explosive offences. Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that the men were also detained on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Local officers said they were working closely with counter-terror detectives on the investigation. “We believe this incident is contained,” police said. They added that they were working with partners and using contingency plans that had been prepared for such situations. RAF Fairford Linked To US OperationsRAF Fairford has hosted the US Air Force and, since February, has served as a hub for American operations against Iran, according to the account provided in reporting earlier this year. The base has supported missions including heavy bombers such as the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress. Donald Trump said the men involved in the case were under surveillance for a “long time”, speaking to reporters in Illinois while he travelled to the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Chicago. Trump said the arrests in the UK were “fantastic” and described cooperation with Britain as “an amazing job”. He said the suspects were “looking to do big damage” to the US base, but he did not address any potential motive. The White House did not respond to further questions about the investigation, police and officials said. Authorities have not confirmed any link between the incident and Iran, despite the base’s wider role in US operations related to the conflict. UK And US Warnings After The DetentionsAndy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, urged people not to speculate following the incident near RAF Fairford. He said he was grateful to residents who had been asked to leave their homes while checks were carried out, adding that public safety was the government’s first priority. The UK Defense Secretary, Wes Streeting, said emergency response teams and Armed Forces were on standby 24/7. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood thanked emergency services for their “swift response” and for reassurance that the incident was contained. The US Embassy in London issued guidance for American citizens, urging them to “exercise caution and be mindful of personal security” following the arrests. It said the UK threat level for terrorism was rated as severe and that US-linked facilities, gatherings and organisations may face heightened risk. A spokesperson for the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing, based at RAF Fairford, told ABC News that the unit appreciated the response and continued support from local law enforcement, adding that it was coordinating with UK partners to ensure the safety of service members, families and nearby communities. In response to questions about possible changes to US readiness, the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, in eastern England, said it could not discuss specific security measures for operational reasons. It said the “Tri-Base area” remained vigilant and would take action as needed to maintain safety and security. Join the discussion? 28 September 2026
