Five men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences after suspicious vehicles were reported near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The arrests were made following a report of three suspicious vehicles travelling towards the airbase in the early hours of Sunday. A major incident was declared, leading to the evacuation of dozens of homes in the nearby village of Whelford.

The incident prompted a significant emergency service response, with an Army explosive ordnance disposal team examining vehicles in a wooded area near the base. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation, which is understood to be in its early stages. The five men remain in custody. Residents evacuated from Whelford have been informed they will not be able to return home overnight, though officials stated the situation is believed to be contained.

Aerial footage showed a robot approaching stationary white vans in the wooded area, although police have not confirmed its specific use. A 400-meter cordon was established around the scene, with a hazardous area response team also deployed. The arrested men were initially detained by Gloucestershire police on suspicion of committing offences under the Explosives Act before the further arrest for preparation of a terrorist act.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham was kept informed of the developing situation. RAF Fairford, which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF), has recently served as a staging post for military operations. President Donald Trump commented on the arrests, stating the individuals were looking to inflict significant damage and had been under surveillance.

UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed contact with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth. A USAF spokesperson affirmed vigilance without detailing specific security measures. In response to the incident, the US Department of Defense elevated the threat level at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk to its second-highest category.

Gloucestershire Constabulary's temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth indicated that police are not currently seeking other individuals, describing the matter as contained. An image, appearing to show the arrests taking place in Whelford, approximately 350 meters from RAF Fairford's runway access, has been circulating. BBC Verify has geolocated and confirmed the authenticity of this image.

A local resident reported alerting police to suspicious activity near the base early Sunday morning, which initiated the response. The BBC understands the operation was not intelligence-led, but rather a result of the initial report of suspicious vehicles.

Counter Terrorism Policing and Gloucestershire police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the suspicious vehicles. The full scope of the alleged plot and the specific targets remain under active inquiry.