London: British counter-terrorism authorities are investigating a serious incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after five men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act.

Police said the arrests followed a report early Sunday about three suspicious vehicles that appeared to be travelling towards the military airbase. Armed officers subsequently detained five men in the nearby Whelford area.

The men were initially arrested under the Explosives Act and were later additionally arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act. Authorities said the investigation remains at an early stage and the suspects remain in custody.

Bomb Disposal Teams Examine Vehicles

Following the arrests, British Army bomb disposal specialists were brought in to examine the suspicious vehicles. Police established a 400-metre cordon around the area while the examination was carried out.

Around 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution, with residents directed to temporary accommodation at a nearby leisure centre. Authorities said the incident was contained while specialist teams worked at the scene.

Images from the area showed bomb-disposal equipment examining several white vans. Police have not publicly confirmed the exact nature of any material found inside the vehicles.

RAF Fairford’s Connection to US Military Operations

RAF Fairford has a longstanding connection with the United States Air Force and has recently been used as a base for US military operations involving Iran.

The facility is particularly significant because it can accommodate large US bomber aircraft. US forces have used the base during the current conflict with Iran, making its security a major concern for British and American authorities.

The United States Air Force said no US personnel were involved in the incident and that it remained in close coordination with British authorities to protect military personnel and the surrounding community.

Possible Iran Connection Under Investigation

Some reports have raised the possibility of an Iranian connection because of RAF Fairford’s role in US operations against Iran and previous warnings from Iranian officials concerning British bases used for attacks.

However, British authorities have not publicly established that Iran was involved. UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting said it would be irresponsible to speculate about Iranian involvement while the investigation was still developing.

British investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the possible motive. Other explanations have not been ruled out.

Local Resident’s Alert Triggered Police Response

According to reports, the police response began after a local resident noticed unusual activity involving the vehicles and contacted emergency services.

Police received the call at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, reporting three suspicious vehicles apparently heading towards the airbase. Armed officers then responded to the Whelford area.

The incident resulted in a major emergency response involving armed police, bomb-disposal specialists and other emergency services.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The five suspects have not been publicly identified, and authorities have not announced criminal charges against them.

Counter Terrorism Policing is leading the investigation in cooperation with local police and other security agencies. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators establish what happened and determine whether the arrested men were connected to a wider plan.

The incident has also renewed attention on security around UK military facilities used by foreign forces. RAF Fairford remains an important location for US military aviation operations in Europe.

For residents of the surrounding area, authorities’ immediate priority has been completing security checks and allowing evacuated households to return once officials determine that the area is safe.

The investigation is continuing, and further information is expected as police examine the vehicles, interview the suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.