A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford after several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
Residents were evacuated from a number of properties in the Whelford area of Gloucestershire on Sunday morning as Army explosive ordnance disposal specialists examined several vehicles.
Armed police established a cordon close to RAF Fairford, while a substantial emergency-services presence — including police, ambulance and fire crews — was reported in the surrounding area.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said local residents were being taken to a nearby leisure centre while the investigation continued.
Police say incident is contained
In a statement, the force said: “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident.
“It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
“The Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.”
Police sought to reassure the public that they believed the incident was contained and said emergency plans were being enacted with partner agencies.
No details have yet been released about the identities of those arrested, the precise number of suspects, the nature of any materials being investigated or where the arrests took place.
There has also been no official confirmation that RAF Fairford itself was the intended target. Police have not announced a motive or said that the incident is being treated as terrorism-related.
Security presence around airbase
RAF Fairford is an RAF station used by the United States Air Force and is capable of accommodating American long-range bombers during overseas deployments.
A Reuters witness reported that armed officers were preventing access to the base’s main gate and that around 30 emergency vehicles had gathered in the Fairford area.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific security measures but said its UK-based wings remained vigilant and would take appropriate action to protect service personnel, civilian staff, contractors and their families.
The base has held particular strategic importance during the conflict involving the United States and Iran. The British Government previously authorised the US to use RAF Fairford for specified operations against Iranian missile sites threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
That wider military context makes any security operation near the base especially sensitive. However, no evidence has so far been made public linking Sunday’s arrests to Iran, another foreign state or the airbase’s military activity.
Investigation remains active
The evacuations and cordon are precautionary measures while specialist teams determine whether the vehicles under examination present a danger.
The declaration of a major incident allows emergency services and other agencies to coordinate personnel and resources under established response arrangements. It does not by itself establish the scale or motive of a suspected offence.
Residents have been asked to remain away from the affected area while police and military specialists complete their work.
This remains a developing incident. Further information is expected from Gloucestershire Constabulary once the examinations have progressed and investigators are able to provide more detail.
Sources
- ITV News: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as residents evacuated (27 September 2026)
- Reuters: Police declare major incident at UK’s Fairford air base (27 September 2026)
- BBC report: Men held in major incident near RAF Fairford (27 September 2026)