28 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) British police have arrested several men on suspicion of explosives offences near RAF Fairford, a Gloucestershire airbase also used by the US Air Force. A major incident was declared in the area on September 27, with nearby residents evacuated as specialist bomb disposal teams examined vehicles.
Major Incident Declared
Gloucestershire Police said several properties in the nearby village of Whelford were evacuated following the arrests.
A cordon was established around the affected area, while residents were moved to a nearby leisure centre. Police said they believed the incident was contained and activated established emergency response procedures.
Army Bomb Disposal Experts Deployed
The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was called in to examine a number of vehicles as part of the investigation.
Armed police were also deployed around the area, while a large emergency-services presence, including a Hazardous Area Response Team, was reported.
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Over Probe
British counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, according to reports from the Press Association.
The operation was reportedly not intelligence-led, meaning authorities had not previously been aware of a potential plot before the arrests. Investigators have not publicly established the suspects’ motive or whether the incident was connected to the airbase itself.
RAF Fairford Has US Military Role
RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Gloucestershire that hosts personnel from the United States Air Force.
The base has been used for US military operations, including recent US strikes against Iranian missile sites during the wider conflict in West Asia.
Security Concerns Amid Iran Conflict
The arrests come against a sensitive geopolitical backdrop.
Britain had authorised the US to use RAF Fairford for strikes on Iranian missile sites. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had previously warned that bases used in such operations could be considered legitimate targets. However, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the current explosives investigation and Iran.
Residents Evacuated
Residents in Whelford were asked to leave their properties while police and bomb-disposal specialists assessed the situation.
The evacuation was described as a precautionary measure while officers worked to establish whether there was any continuing danger in the area.
Government Monitoring Situation
The British government said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept updated on the incident.
Defence Minister Wes Streeting also thanked emergency and specialist teams involved in the response, saying the situation was being dealt with. Authorities have declined to provide extensive details while the investigation continues.
Investigation Continues
Police have not publicly identified the arrested men or disclosed the specific explosives-related allegations beyond offences under the Explosives Act.
Investigators are expected to examine vehicles, properties and other evidence as they determine the circumstances behind the arrests and whether any wider threat exists.
For now, officials have said the incident is contained, while the investigation remains ongoing.