Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford on Terror Charges

Gloucestershire Police received a call around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, reporting three suspicious vehicles heading towards RAF Fairford.

Armed officers responded to the Whelford area and arrested five men on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act, taking them into custody.

Approximately 85 households were advised to evacuate as a precaution while the army's explosive ordnance disposal unit secured the area.

As a precautionary measure, approximately 85 households in the vicinity were advised to evacuate, with a local leisure center opened to accommodate the displaced residents during the ongoing examination.

RAF Fairford is reportedly at the highest 'Delta' threat level, while RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk is at 'Charlie,' the second-highest US defense threat level.

Reporter Sam Francis noted that RAF Fairford has been historically used for US military operations against Iran.

In July, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard declared any bases utilized for operations against them as potential targets, adding to the heightened security concerns.

The five men initially detained near RAF Fairford have been further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.

This development rapidly escalated the nature of the investigation, which originally involved offenses under the Explosives Act.

Eighty-five households in the Whelford area remain evacuated as a result of the ongoing security operation and the potential threat.

Initial intelligence regarding the suspicious vehicles appears to have originated from local residents rather than long-term surveillance, according to a security expert.

The immediate broadening of the cordon suggests that the materials found in the vans are highly dangerous, and the rapid intervention by residents and police likely prevented a major attack.

Gloucestershire Police are providing essential support to the operation, which reportedly did not stem from prior long-term surveillance or intelligence gathering.

Residents in Whelford village reportedly shared warnings about suspicious-looking white vans via WhatsApp groups, and armed officers intercepted the vehicles approximately a 15-minute walk from the airbase.

Eighty-five households, potentially affecting several hundred people, have been evacuated from the area, a number described as significant.

Reports indicate that the police cordon has been widened, suggesting that the materials discovered inside the vans are highly concerning and could have really serious consequences.