Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford on Suspicion of Terror Plot
Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after police received a tip-off about suspicious vehicles.
British police arrested five men near a United States air base in western England on Sunday on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences, after an early-morning tip-off about three vans heading towards the military airfield.
Counter-terrorism detectives leading the investigation said they received a call about three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards RAF Fairford in the early hours. Armed officers arrested the five men, who were later held on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Police said they believed the incident was contained.
"We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody," said Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. "As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident."
A 400-metre cordon was put in place around the base while the bomb disposal unit examined the vans. Residents of 85 homes in a nearby village were evacuated, and armed officers patrolled the site.
US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been looking to do "big damage" and had been under investigation by British and US authorities. "The arrest in the UK was fantastic," he told reporters, describing it as "an amazing job". He added: "We had them under view for a long time, and we got them."
The base has been used by US bombers to strike Iranian missile sites that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, under authorisation from the British government. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was being updated on the incident, thanked the police and armed forces. "I know today's incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country," he said on X.
In July, Britain said its armed forces were ready to protect the country after Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned it not to allow US bombers to fly from Fairford, saying any base used for launches would be a legitimate target. Police have not identified who they believe was involved. A source familiar with the investigation said an Iranian-linked motive is considered the most likely, while a Russian sabotage operation or an Islamist plot are also being examined.
Gloucestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone told reporters: "A cordon is in place as a precaution and the public can expect to see an emergency services presence in the area for some time."
Security was increased at other US-used bases, with armoured vehicles and soldiers at the gates of RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in eastern England. A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures, saying the 501st Combat Support Wing and UK-based wings "remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families".
British ministers have previously briefed critical infrastructure providers on the threat posed by Russia, with growing concern about possible sabotage and cyberattacks. Russia denies mounting hybrid attacks on Western nations. A British military air base in central England was broken into in June 2025 by the Palestine Action protest group, which has since been proscribed as a terrorist organisation.