A major counter-terrorism investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford has taken an unusual turn following reports that one of the suspects dialled 999 to alert authorities before his own arrest.
The five men, all British nationals from London aged between 23 and 25, were detained in the early hours of Sunday 27 September 2026, in the village of Whelford, Gloucestershire. They were initially held under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of the preparation of a terrorist act.
It has now emerged that approximately one hour before a local farmer reported suspicious activity to the police, one of the suspects placed a call to emergency services himself. The motive behind this call remains a central focus for detectives as they attempt to establish whether the incident was a genuine aborted attempt or a “test” of security protocols at the high-profile airbase.
Vans and Forensic Evidence
The security alert centred on three white vans found in the vicinity of the base, which serves as a strategic hub for the United States Air Force. The discovery prompted a significant emergency response, including the deployment of Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units.
Approximately 85 households in Whelford were evacuated as a precaution during the incident. While initial concerns suggested the presence of explosives, subsequent forensic examinations revealed that the vehicles contained barrels of petrol and several empty containers. Police have confirmed that no viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found during the searches.
Residents have since been allowed to return to their homes, and the cordon has been largely removed, though a heightened police presence remains around the perimeter of the airfield.
Release on Bail
On the afternoon of Monday 28 September, all five suspects were released on police bail pending further enquiries. The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing South West, who are leading the joint investigation, stated that the men are subject to “stringent conditions” while the probe continues.
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed that officers are pursuing “multiple lines of enquiry” to understand the full circumstances of why the group travelled from London to the Gloucestershire base with a significant quantity of fuel.
RAF Fairford is one of the few airfields in the UK capable of supporting heavy long-range bombers and is frequently used for international exercises and strategic deployments. Security at the site is managed by both UK and US personnel, and authorities have stressed that the base remained secure throughout the incident.
