Five arrested after suspicious vehicles found near UK airbase

Five men have been arrested after police responded to reports of three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, an airbase used by the United States Air Force. Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone said police received a call at about 12.45am concerning the vehicles. Gloucestershire police later said the men were detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act and that counterterrorism officers were assisting with the investigation.

Army bomb disposal experts examined several vehicles as part of the response. A major incident was declared, and 85 households in nearby Whelford were evacuated as a precaution. Residents were taken to a local leisure centre while emergency teams assessed the situation.

Aerial footage from Sky News appeared to show a bomb disposal robot moving between three white trucks. The rear doors of two vehicles were open, with large black items visible nearby. Police said the situation appeared to be contained, but they did not confirm that the arrests were connected to RAF Fairford.

The proximity of the vehicles to the base raised questions about a possible link. RAF Fairford hosts the headquarters of the US Air Force’s 501st Combat Support Wing and the 420th Air Base Squadron. A US Air Force spokesperson said American and British personnel remained vigilant but declined to discuss specific security measures for operational reasons.

The base has been used by US forces for limited strikes during the war with Iran. The source material says the British government allowed American aircraft to use Fairford to strike Iranian missile sites after the conflict began on February 28, while Iran has alleged that the use exceeded the original remit. Whelford resident Julian Tudsbery said police told residents to evacuate but did not provide details.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting thanked emergency and specialist teams, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s office said he was receiving updates.