Counter Terrorism Policing arrested five British men from London near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, after reports of three suspicious vehicles heading towards the US bomber base.
The men, aged 23 to 25, were held on suspicion of explosives offences and preparing a terrorist act before being released on bail under strict conditions, as detectives continue to investigate their movements and possible links.
What Police Have Revealed About the Five Men
Counter Terrorism Policing has disclosed only limited identifying details about the five men. All are British and live in London. Three are from Westminster, one from Camden and one from Willesden in north-west London.
Police have not released their names or announced any charges. Counter Terrorism Policing said officers held them under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 before securing an extension to keep them in custody for longer.
Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said officers released the men on bail after extensive interviews and inquiries. Their bail conditions restrict their movements and contact with others.
How the RAF Fairford Arrests Unfolded
Gloucestershire Constabulary said it received a report at about 12.45am on Sunday 27 September. The caller reported three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford. Armed officers responded and arrested the five men in Whelford. Police initially held them on suspicion of explosives offences.
Officers then arrested the same five men on a further suspicion: preparing a terrorist act under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The provision covers conduct in preparation for committing or assisting acts of terrorism.
Police have announced no charges. The arrests do not prove that the men committed an offence. Officers set up a 400-metre cordon while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined the vehicles. Police advised about 85 households to evacuate as a precaution.
Counter Terrorism Policing later took control of the investigation. Police said work at the scene produced multiple new lines of inquiry.
Why RAF Fairford Is Significant
The US Air Force uses RAF Fairford, an RAF station in Gloucestershire. Current US Air Force information says the base hosts the 501st Combat Support Wing headquarters and the 420th Air Base Squadron.
The US Air Force describes Fairford as its preferred European forward operating location for bomber missions. The 501st moved its headquarters there from RAF Alconbury after starting the transition in 2022.
Police have not linked the arrests to Iran or any other state. US forces have, however, used Fairford for defensive operations connected with the conflict involving Iran.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026. The UK said it did not take part in those initial strikes.
On 1 March, the UK authorised limited US use of British bases against Iranian ballistic missile threats. A later government statement identified RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia among the bases supporting those operations.
On 20 March, ministers expanded the agreement to cover defensive action against missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The government said the operations supported collective self-defence and protected shipping.
Police Keep an Open Mind on Motive
Taylor said investigators continue to consider every possible angle. One line of inquiry examines whether anyone acted as a proxy for a foreign state. He said such involvement could have happened knowingly or unknowingly. Police have not attributed the incident to Iran or another government.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue. She said police are working with the Ministry of Defence and other agencies. Officers continue to investigate all five men while pursuing several lines of inquiry. Police have not announced charges or publicly established a motive.
