Five Men Arrested in Counter-Terror Investigation Near RAF Fairford
In a significant security operation, five men have been arrested as counter-terrorism police investigate a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK. The arrests were made in the early hours of the morning, following reports of three suspicious vehicles approaching the military installation around 00:45 BST.
Initial charges against the men were linked to suspicions under the Explosives Act. However, as the investigation progressed, authorities escalated the charges to include the suspicion of preparation for a terrorist act. This development has raised alarm within the local community and prompted swift actions from law enforcement.
In response to the unfolding situation, approximately 85 homes in the nearby community of Whelford have been evacuated to ensure public safety while investigations are ongoing. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone indicated that inquiries are focused on ascertaining the full nature of the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of these developments.
To further assess the situation and secure the area, a British Army bomb disposal team has been deployed. Aerial footage from the scene shows sophisticated robots being utilized to examine the vehicles in question, highlighting the level of caution being exercised by authorities.
RAF Fairford has a notable history as a forward operating location for the US military, which has expressed its commitment to remaining vigilant in the wake of this incident. The facility plays a critical role in NATO operations and is often used for air operations by the US Air Force.
As investigations continue, the local community remains on edge, awaiting further updates from Gloucestershire Police on what authorities describe as a major incident.
Watch the video by BBC News
Video “Five men arrested as counter-terror police investigate major incident near RAF Fairford | BBC News” was uploaded on 09/27/2026 to Youtube Channel BBC News