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RAF Fairford incident: Timeline, arrests, and investigation updates
Overview
A timeline and investigation update regarding a major security incident near the RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire. Five British men in their 20s were initially arrested following reports of suspicious vehicles and vans parked near the base, leading to a major incident declaration, local evacuations, and a counter-terrorism investigation. Although the five men were subsequently released on police bail with stringent conditions and no explosive devices were found in the vehicles, a sixth man—a dual UK-Iranian national—has since been arrested. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and international officials have indicated that the UK government believes Iran played a part in the incident, while Tehran has denied involvement.
Key points
- Gloucestershire Police received a call just after midnight on Sunday 27 September regarding three suspicious vehicles travelling towards RAF Fairford.
- A local farmer made a second 999 call after discovering three vans in a weird formation with a group of hooded and masked men nearby.
- Five men in their 20s from London were arrested on suspicion of explosives and terror offences, with the BBC understanding one of the suspects made the first 999 call.
- Police declared a major incident in Whelford, established a 400-metre cordon, and evacuated around 85 households while the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit examined the vehicles.
- Counter Terrorism Policing took over the investigation and the five suspects were released on police bail following extensive interviews, despite questions raised by US President Donald Trump.
- Police later confirmed that no improvised explosive devices were found in the vans, though a quantity of petrol was recovered.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that there are strong indications Iran played a part in the incident, which Tehran has strongly denied.
- A sixth man, a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national, was subsequently arrested in Westminster on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.