What we know about RAF Fairford counter-terror probe
Counter-terrorism investigation continues after arrests near RAF Fairford
Constantvpn.com – A major security operation is under way near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism-related offences. The incident has led to evacuations in nearby Whelford, a large police and emergency-service presence, and the deployment of bomb disposal specialists to examine vehicles close to the airbase.
The arrests followed a report in the early hours of Sunday involving three vehicles believed to be travelling towards RAF Fairford. Police received the call at 00:45 BST, and armed officers later detained five men near Whelford, a village roughly two miles south-east of the base.
Why RAF Fairford is a significant location
RAF Fairford lies in the Cotswolds, around four miles south of Fairford, a town on the River Coln. The site has long-standing links with the United States military and has recently been used by US aircraft as a staging location for defensive strikes on Iran.
Its military importance means any suspected threat in the surrounding area is likely to prompt a substantial and carefully controlled response. Investigators are now working to establish what the men were allegedly planning and whether the vehicles found near the village formed part of that activity.
Vehicles examined and cordon imposed
Bomb disposal officers were sent to Whelford to inspect several vehicles. A 400m cordon, equivalent to about 1,312ft, has been set up around the area while the work continues.
Images taken from the air appeared to show a remotely operated robot moving towards two white vans in a wooded location. Police have not confirmed whether that device was part of the operation, but specialist teams remain active at the scene.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said the emergency response, which began during the early hours of Sunday, would remain in place for some time.
“Work to establish the full nature of the incident is ongoing.”
Counter Terrorism Policing has taken charge of the inquiry. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said officers were working with partner agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Five men remain in custody
The five suspects were first detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. None has been publicly identified, and police have not disclosed where they are being held.
President Donald Trump said the men had been “looking to do big damage” and stated that authorities had been monitoring them for a long period before taking action.
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
An image circulating after the arrests is said to show detained men in Whelford, about 350m from runway access at Crash Gate 6A at RAF Fairford. While the original image source has not been independently established, its location has been checked and it appears to show the area concerned.
Residents moved from their homes
Eighty-five households have been evacuated as a precaution. Residents were directed to a nearby leisure centre while specialists assess the area and work to make it safe.
People forced from their homes described being awakened during the night and told to leave immediately. Some arrived at the leisure centre still wearing pyjamas after leaving with little time to prepare.
“We just had to throw our clothes on and come. We didn’t know anything,” said Jo, a resident who gave only her first name.
“It all happened very quickly. We just packed our stuff up and came here,” another resident, Jason, said.
Gloucestershire County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson said some evacuees could need to remain away from home overnight while the safety work is completed. The timing will depend on the outcome of the vehicle examinations and the removal of any risk within the cordoned area.
Accounts from Whelford
One Whelford resident said she contacted police after seeing three vans obstructing the road and a group of men wearing hoods and balaclavas. She said she had been driving home in the early hours when she encountered people in the road.
“They would have seen the bright headlights,” she said. “They probably thought we were the police and panicked.”
She believed her call may have interrupted events that were under way.
“It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning.”
Another local resident, Jeff, said he heard shouting near his front door before looking outside and seeing people being held by officers. He could not confirm exactly where the shouting had come from, but described a rapid police response in the village.
What happens next
The immediate priority is the safe examination of the vehicles and the protection of residents living within the restricted zone. Counter-terrorism investigations can involve detailed work on suspected devices, vehicles, communications and movements, so the visible police presence may continue even after the initial scene is declared safe.
For residents, the evacuation has brought a sudden and unsettling disruption. For the wider area, the incident underlines the heightened security attention around a strategically important military base. Authorities have not released details of any suspected plan, and no further conclusions should be drawn until investigators establish the evidence.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the situation as “deeply concerning” and said the government would continue to take action to protect public safety. Further updates are expected once police and bomb disposal teams complete their work near RAF Fairford.
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