Five detained near RAF Fairford as explosives investigation prompts evacuations
Goldlaner.com – Police in Gloucestershire have detained five men near RAF Fairford, an English air base used by US long-range bombers, amid an investigation involving suspected terrorism and explosives offenses.
Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists were examining three vehicles near the village of Whelford on Sunday. As a precaution, dozens of nearby homes were evacuated while officers continued work at the scene.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight after residents alerted authorities to concerns in the area. Detective Richard Ocone, a senior Gloucestershire officer, said the information led police to take action. The identities of the five men have not been released, and authorities have not disclosed a suspected motive.
Counter-terrorism inquiry remains at an early stage
The men were initially held on suspicion of explosives-related offenses and were later also arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. UK counter-terrorism legislation can permit suspects to be detained for as long as 14 days before charges are brought.
Vicki Evans, a senior officer with Counter Terrorism Policing, said investigators were still establishing the circumstances surrounding the case.
“We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody. As you would expect we are working closely with our partners to understand the circumstances of the incident.”
Footage from the area appeared to show a bomb disposal robot moving among three white vans in woodland close to the base. The rear doors of two vans were open, with large dark objects visible nearby. Later on Sunday, two loud blasts consistent with controlled detonations were heard from the direction of Whelford.
Police said the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit was continuing its examination of the vehicles. The UK Ministry of Defence was asked to comment as the operation continued.
Base has a significant US military role
RAF Fairford is located close to Whelford and serves as a forward operating location for US Global Strike Command, which oversees long-distance strike capabilities. The base has been used by US B-1 bombers involved in operations targeting Iran.
The 501st Combat Support Wing is based at Fairford. A US Air Force representative said specific protection arrangements would not be discussed for operational-security reasons, while stressing that personnel remained alert.
“For operational security reasons we will not discuss specific force protection measures.”
“[The unit] remains vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors, and their families.”
The US Embassy in London advised Americans in the United Kingdom to take care and remain attentive to personal security following the arrests.
President Donald Trump described the detentions as “fantastic,” saying US and British authorities had been monitoring the men for an extended period.
“Working with Britain, it was an amazing job,” Trump told reporters in Chicago. “They were looking to do big damage to our fort and working with the British worked out great.”
“We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.”
Residents describe heavy emergency response
A resident near Whelford said helicopters could be heard overhead at about 2 a.m., with bomb-disposal vehicles arriving roughly an hour afterward. Video circulating from the early hours appeared to show several people being arrested, their hands positioned behind their backs.
Local people had already noticed strengthened security around RAF Fairford in recent weeks. One resident described unusually heavy vehicles positioned across entrances to the base, including large tractors and similar equipment.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham thanked emergency personnel and residents affected by the precautionary measures. He said the development near RAF Fairford would understandably cause concern locally and more widely.
“I know today’s incident near RAF Fairford will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country,” Burnham posted on X.
A government spokesperson said the prime minister was receiving updates and praised emergency services for swiftly detaining suspects and implementing measures intended to protect the community. Officials said further public comment would be inappropriate while the investigation remained active.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the response demonstrated why emergency teams and the Armed Forces remain prepared around the clock. He said the episode underscored the threats Britain faces on a daily basis.
For residents, the immediate effects included evacuations, a visible police and military presence, and uncertainty around the examination of the vehicles. The investigation will now focus on identifying what prompted the operation, determining whether any explosive material was present, and establishing the alleged intentions of the five men in custody.
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