FIVE ARRESTED IN SUSPECTED TERROR PLOT NEAR US-USED RAF BASE AS 85 HOMES ARE EVACUATED

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — Five men have been arrested in connection with a suspected terrorist plot near a British Royal Air Force base used by the United States military, following reports of suspicious vehicles travelling towards the facility in the early hours of Sunday.

The arrests near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire triggered a major security operation, with dozens of homes evacuated, a 400-metre security cordon established and military bomb disposal specialists deployed to examine three suspicious vans.

Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation after armed officers arrested the five men in the nearby village of Whelford. The suspects were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the UK Terrorism Act.

Police confirmed that the men remained in custody as of Sunday evening, while investigators continued gathering evidence and examining the vehicles.

Suspicious vehicles prompt emergency response

According to police, the incident began at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, when officers received a report concerning three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford.

A local resident reportedly alerted authorities after noticing three parked vans and a group of men wearing masks near the military installation.

The woman, who requested anonymity, told the BBC that she initially attempted to contact Ministry of Defence police but received no response. She subsequently called the emergency services to report what she had witnessed.

Armed police officers responded to the area and arrested five men in Whelford.

The incident was subsequently declared a major emergency, prompting a large-scale response involving police, military personnel, ambulance services and other emergency responders.

Bomb disposal experts examine three vans

Following the arrests, an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was deployed to examine the three vehicles discovered near the base.

A 400-metre exclusion zone was established around the scene as specialists carried out their investigations.

Aerial footage showed a remote-controlled bomb disposal robot approaching stationary white vans in a wooded area. However, authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific equipment or materials found inside the vehicles.

The examinations prompted heightened security measures around the military facility, with emergency teams working to establish whether the vehicles posed any immediate danger.

Counter Terrorism Policing said the investigation remained at an early stage and that officers were working closely with Gloucestershire Police and other security partners.

85 households evacuated as residents face uncertainty

The security operation also forced approximately 85 households in Whelford to evacuate their homes as a precaution.

Residents were escorted from their properties during the early hours of Sunday and taken to temporary accommodation, including a nearby leisure centre.

Several residents described being awakened by police officers who informed them that a major incident was underway and that they needed to leave immediately.

One resident, Julian Tudsbury, said he was woken at approximately 7 a.m. by police officers knocking on his door.

He recalled seeing several officers and police vehicles outside his home before being instructed to evacuate.

Another resident, identified only as Jeff, told the BBC that he heard shouting outside his home at approximately 2 a.m. and later saw armed police officers detaining several men.

Authorities subsequently informed displaced residents that they would not be permitted to return home overnight while the security operation continued.

Cotswold District Council said it would arrange overnight accommodation for those unable to stay with relatives or friends.

RAF Fairford’s strategic importance

RAF Fairford is a strategically important military installation in Gloucestershire that has a long history of cooperation with the United States military.

The base is frequently used by the United States Air Force as a staging facility for long-range bomber operations and other military activities.

Its significance has increased amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran, with the facility recently serving as a staging post for American aircraft involved in defensive military operations against Iranian missile threats.

The latest incident has therefore drawn considerable attention from security officials in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

US military personnel at the facility reportedly remained vigilant following the arrests, although a spokesperson declined to disclose specific force protection measures.

Trump comments on arrests as UK and US officials respond

US President Donald Trump described the arrests as a successful security operation, claiming that the suspects had intended to cause significant damage.

Speaking about the incident, Trump said the individuals were looking to do “big damage” and added that authorities had been monitoring them for an extended period.

However, the BBC reported that the police operation was not intelligence-led, with the arrests following a member of the public’s report of suspicious activity.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham was kept informed of developments and described the situation as deeply concerning.

Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that he had been in contact with his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, as both countries monitored the unfolding investigation.

The US Department of Defense also raised the threat level at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, which hosts the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing, to its second-highest category.

The move reflects heightened security precautions, although authorities have not publicly established a direct connection between the Fairford incident and the change in threat status at Lakenheath.

Police say investigation remains ongoing

Gloucestershire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing have urged the public to remain calm as the investigation continues.

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said authorities believed the incident was contained and that investigators were working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the arrests.

Police have not publicly disclosed the identities or nationalities of the five suspects, nor have they confirmed a motive for the alleged plot.

The investigation is expected to focus on evidence recovered from the vehicles, the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence near the military installation and whether any other individuals may have been involved.

Although the authorities have expressed confidence that the immediate situation is contained, the security operation has raised renewed concerns about the protection of strategically important military installations and the potential threats facing facilities used by allied forces.

For residents of Whelford, the immediate priority remains the safe return to their homes once the necessary security examinations have been completed.

The investigation is ongoing, and no charges or convictions have been reported in connection with the arrests as of the latest available updates.