Five British men in their 20s from London were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire late on 27 September 2026, following reports of suspicious white vans close to the airbase used by the US Air Force. They were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and later for preparation of a terrorist act, according to Gloucestershire Police and Counter Terrorism Policing.
The arrests came after a farmer called emergency services around 01:36am on 27 September, reporting three white vans near Whelford, an area close to the RAF Fairford base. This triggered a major police response, the declaration of a major incident, and the evacuation of 85 homes in the vicinity, as confirmed by Gloucestershire Police and BBC reporting.
Counter Terrorism Policing’s Senior National Coordinator, Vicki Evans, said at a media briefing that “we are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody.” Subsequently, the men were released on bail but remain under stringent conditions restricting their movements and contacts while inquiries continue.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the three vehicles had undergone extensive examination with support from military assets and forensic experts. RAF Fairford is a strategic US Air Force operating base involved in operations linked to Iran, raising concerns and international attention over security risks at the location.
Police are investigating whether any foreign state involvement may apply, but no confirmed link has been established so far. The Iranian embassy in London categorically rejected and strongly condemned any suggestion of involvement in the incident.
Reports that the men were charged, or that the incident was definitively tied to Iran or other foreign sabotage claims remain unverified by official sources. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement closely scrutinising evidence while the suspects await further legal steps.
The security breach and disruption at RAF Fairford reiterate the sensitivities surrounding military installations connected to US operations. Local residents experienced direct impact through evacuations and police cordons, reflecting the balance between national security and community safety.
CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor updates from Gloucestershire Police and Counter Terrorism units as the inquiry develops and will report further developments on this matter.