Five arrested after suspected explosives found near RAF Fairford

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act after suspected explosive devices were found in vans near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, according to counter-terrorism police. Police were called shortly before 12.45am on Sunday after a member of the public reported three suspicious vehicles apparently travelling towards the airbase. Armed officers responded in the Whelford area and detained the men.

The suspects were initially arrested over alleged explosives offences before being detained again under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Investigators were examining materials in the vans, which an initial assessment reportedly found consistent with improvised explosive devices. Bomb-disposal robots were deployed and a 400-metre cordon was established around the vehicles.

Residents of 85 households in Whelford were evacuated to a leisure centre in nearby Cirencester while tests continued to determine whether the devices were viable. RAF Fairford hosts US air force missions and has been used for operations involving Iran. Investigators are examining whether Iran was involved, particularly in light of previous warnings from Tehran about British bases used for action against Iranian territory.

However, sources said no motive had been established and that a jihadist or other explanation had not been ruled out. The investigation was continuing, and the UK threat level remained at severe. A fuel company whose logo appeared on at least one van said its name had been used without permission and that it was cooperating with authorities.

US President Donald Trump said the suspects had been under observation and were planning significant damage, but the source material says the operation appeared to have begun after a public call to police. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, attending the Labour conference in Liverpool, described the incident as deeply concerning and said the government would take steps to protect the public.