Five men remain in custody after three suspicious vehicles were reported travelling towards RAF Fairford, which hosts the United States Air Force. The arrests are being investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing after officers were called to the area early on Sunday, September 27.
Police said the men were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. They were later further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Detectives are continuing to question them.
Police called after vehicles reported near RAF Fairford
The incident began at around 12.45am, when police received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and arrested five men in the Whelford area.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said the vehicles were being examined as part of the investigation. A 400-metre cordon was established around them while the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit carried out its work.
“At around12.45am today (Sunday 27 September) police received a call relating to three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.”
The source report records the date as Sunday, September 27, 2026. It says the investigation was being led by Counter Terrorism Policing and that the five men remained in custody.
About 85 homes evacuated as precaution
Residents were asked to leave their homes while the examinations took place. Around 85 households were evacuated as a precaution, creating disruption for people living close to the vehicles and the RAF base.
A nearby leisure centre was opened for residents who could not stay with friends or family. Police said emergency services had well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents and that they were working with partners locally and nationally to establish the full nature of what had happened.
Mr Ocone said the force’s immediate focus was the local community. He thanked residents who had left their homes for their understanding and support, acknowledged the disruption caused and said police were working as quickly as possible to enable people to return to their properties.
“A 400m cordon has been put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit examine them.”
Investigation remains ongoing
The arrests do not represent a final finding about the circumstances surrounding the vehicles. Police have asked the public not to speculate while counter-terrorism officers and partner agencies continue their work.
“We would ask the public not to speculate but to follow official channels for updates.”
Residents seeking further information were directed towards official channels. The supplied report does not state when the cordon would be removed, when evacuated households could return or whether any items had been found in the vehicles.