RAF Fairford Incident: Timeline of Events and Unanswered Questions
An early morning call about suspicious vehicles near a UK airbase led to the arrest of five men, but details remain scarce.
An incident near RAF Fairford, a strategically important UK airbase used by the US Air Force, began with two early-morning calls to police about suspicious vehicles on a Sunday. Five British nationals in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offenses, but were later released on bail. The BBC understands that one of the arrested men was the first caller.
Security Heightened Ahead of Incident
In the days preceding the event, security was reportedly increased around RAF Fairford. Reports also indicated heightened police activity near the base on Saturday evening, hours before the suspicious vehicles were reported.
The Incident Unfolds
The first call to police was made at approximately 00:45 on Sunday. Nearly an hour later, at 01:36, a farmer living near the base made a second 999 call. She reported seeing three vans parked in a "weird formation" and a group of "hooded and masked men" who appeared to panic when they noticed her. After failing to reach the Ministry of Defence police at RAF Fairford, she dialed emergency services. "Within 10 minutes the village was full of armed police," she stated.
Shortly after the second call, Gloucestershire Constabulary arrested five men in the nearby village of Whelford. They were initially arrested on suspicion of committing offenses under the Explosives Act. An image that appeared to show the arrests depicted five shirtless men in handcuffs, sitting on the ground under police guard. BBC Verify geolocated the image and confirmed its authenticity.
Major Incident Declared and Evacuations
Following sunrise, police declared a major incident in Whelford and established a 400m (1,312ft) cordon around the three vehicles. The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was deployed to examine the vehicles. Approximately 85 households in Whelford were evacuated to a local leisure center. Residents described feeling "shaken" but noted the "exceptional" community spirit and local support.
Counter-Terrorism Police Take Lead
By Sunday afternoon, Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed it was leading the investigation. The five men were subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated the investigation was in its early stages and urged the public to rely on official channels for updates.
US President Donald Trump commented on the arrests Sunday afternoon, calling the operation "fantastic" and an "amazing job," adding that the suspects "had been under investigation" and were looking to "do big damage to our fort." He noted that the US and UK had them "under view for a long time."
Released on Bail Amidst Scrutiny
On Monday at noon, counter-terror police provided more details, identifying the arrested men as all being from London and aged between 23 and 25. They were held under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), with an extension of custody secured.
However, by 16:00 on Monday, all five men were released on police bail under "stringent conditions on their movement and contact with others." Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor emphasized that they "absolutely remain under investigation as we explore multiple lines of enquiry." He defended the decision, stating it was "grounded in experience and careful consideration of policing powers." Trump publicly questioned the decision to release them.
Later that day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested the incident "clearly involves the hands of a foreign actor," without providing further evidence.
No Explosives Found
An update on Tuesday evening from counter-terror police indicated that properties in London had been searched as part of the ongoing investigation. The three vehicles were also examined by military and forensic experts. Police confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vans, though a "quantity of petrol" was recovered. New details regarding the first 999 call emerged on Wednesday.