RAF Fairford residents seek reassurance after terrorism probe

Residents near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire have called for better communication after a counter-terrorism operation led to the evacuation of 85 homes and the arrest of five men. Gloucestershire Constabulary said it received a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the military airbase at 00:45 BST on Sunday. Police established a 400-metre cordon and deployed an army bomb-disposal team to inspect the vans.

Counter Terrorism Policing said searches found a quantity of petrol but no explosive devices. The five men, all UK nationals in their early 20s from London, were released on bail. The organisation said the decision was part of its investigative strategy and did not end the inquiry.

A resident of nearby Whelford said locals felt like “sitting ducks” and complained that information had not been shared before the operation began. She praised the response of officers as calm and efficient but said residents wanted clearer explanations about the security situation around the base. Another couple said armed officers pointed guns at the husband while the family was being evacuated.

They said their child was traumatised and that they briefly struggled to leave their home. The couple also described seeing the contents of one of the vans scattered after the search. Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said police could not provide all information while the investigation was continuing.

She promised information points and a stronger visible presence in affected communities. Residents in nearby Marston Meysey, across the Wiltshire border, also requested regular updates. Wiltshire Police said neighbourhood teams would patrol the village and remain available to answer concerns.

The cordon was lifted on Wednesday afternoon, although residents said police, drones and forensic investigators remained visible.