Brief
Woman’s 999 call stops suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford
A local woman’s timely call to emergency services prevented a potential terror attack near the Gloucestershire air base.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A resident of Whelford village in Gloucestershire called 999 at about 1 am on Sunday after spotting three vans blocking a road and a large group of hooded, balaclava‑clad men near RAF Fairford. The call prompted armed police to arrive within 15 minutes, secure the area and arrest five men on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences.
In an interview with the Independent, the woman said she was driving home from a party when she saw the suspicious vehicles and the men. “They would have seen the bright headlights,” she told reporters, adding that the men likely thought she was police and panicked. She believed her call had derailed whatever they were planning.
Police had already declared a major incident and evacuated 85 households in the area. A bomb disposal robot inspected the vans and found black barrels, and the men were taken into custody under the Explosives Act and the Terrorism Act 2000.
RAF Fairford hosts U.S. bombers used in the Iran conflict, making the base a focal point for security concerns. The incident follows a recent crash of a RAF Hawk T2 jet at RAF Valley, which has heightened awareness of safety and security at UK airfields.
Key facts
- A Whelford resident called 999 at 1 am after seeing vans and hooded men near RAF Fairford (independent.co.uk)
- Five men were arrested on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences (independent.co.uk)
- Armed police arrived within 15 minutes and secured the area (independent.co.uk)
- A bomb disposal robot inspected the vans and found black barrels (independent.co.uk)
- The incident led to a major incident declaration and evacuation of 85 households (independent.co.uk)
Background
The incident is part of a series of security alerts around RAF Fairford, a U.S. airbase used for strikes in the Iran conflict. Earlier on 27 September, five men were arrested near the base after suspicious vans were spotted heading toward the airfield. Police declared a major incident and evacuated 85 households. The incident follows a recent RAF Hawk T2 jet crash at RAF Valley, which has raised concerns about safety at UK airfields.
Timeline
- 2026-09-27 — Five men arrested near RAF Fairford after suspicious vans spotted
- 2026-09-27 — Major incident declared and 85 households evacuated near RAF Fairford
- 2026-09-23 — RAF Hawk T2 jet crashes at RAF Valley
Why it matters
The incident underscores heightened security concerns around U.S. military bases in the UK and the potential for terrorist activity.
What happens next
Police are continuing the investigation under the Explosives Act and the Terrorism Act 2000; no further arrests have been announced.
