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Counter-terror police take over Fairford probe as 85 homes evacuated and bomb disposal examines vehicles

The Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism command has taken over the investigation near RAF Fairford after five men were arrested over three suspicious vehicles; a 400-metre cordon is in place and around 85 households have been evacuated while Army bomb disposal teams examine the vehicles.

By James Calloway · · 2 min read

Britain’s counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, where five men were arrested in the early hours of Sunday after police received a call about three suspicious vehicles heading towards the air base.

The Metropolitan Police said armed officers responded after a call at about 00:45 local time on Sunday, 27 September, relating to the three vehicles, which appeared to be travelling towards RAF Fairford in south-west England. The men were arrested in the Whelford area on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, and were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

“Counter Terrorism Policing can now confirm they are leading an investigation into an incident which took place overnight near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire,” the Met said in a statement.

A 400-metre cordon has been put in place around the vehicles while the Army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit examines them. As a precaution, around 85 households have been evacuated, and a nearby leisure centre has been opened for residents unable to stay with friends or relatives.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, the senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “We are in the early stages of an investigation, and five men remain in custody.” Gloucestershire’s Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone added that the public should expect an emergency services presence “for some time” and should not speculate but follow official channels for updates.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote on X that the incident “will be deeply concerning for local residents and for many people following developments across the country”. The farmer whose call led to the arrests told The Sun she saw three vans blocking the road outside Whelford and men in masks and balaclavas running nearby, and dialled 999 after failing to reach the base; she also told the BBC she had seen a “large group of hooded and masked men”, and said she believed she had seen “more than five people” near the scene.

The Telegraph has reported that investigators are examining several possible motives, including an Iranian operation, Russian sabotage or an Islamist plot, with an Iran-linked motive considered most likely — though police have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed an Iranian connection. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said it would be “very unwise” to speculate about motives.

Sources

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