Five Arrested Near RAF Fairford, 85 Homes Evacuated

Five men were arrested near RAF Fairford after a 12:45am Sunday call reported three suspicious vehicles heading toward the base. Police declared a major incident, evacuated about 85 Whelford households to a Cirencester leisure centre, and set a 400-metre cordon. Aerial footage showed a bomb disposal robot inspecting three white vans, two with open rear doors and black barrels scattered around. A Reuters witness saw about 30 emergency vehicles and armed police at the main gate. The men were held on suspicion of Explosives Act offences and further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act. Vicki Evans said five remain in custody in an early-stage investigation. Julian Tudsbery said a neighbour's call to air-base police rang unanswered before she dialled 999; officers later woke him to evacuate. Wes Streeting said this is exactly why emergency teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7. RAF Lakenheath confirmed Charlie alert amid reports Fairford rose to Delta. In March, officials cited a 50% rise in hostile-state national security cases, including Iran, and Keir Starmer allowed defensive US action from UK bases as four US bombers landed at Fairford. Authorities have not linked the arrests to that presence or to Iran.