Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that all five men arrested near RAF Fairford in the early hours of Sunday 27 September 2026 are British nationals from London, aged in their 20s.
The suspects are: a 24-year-old from Camden; three men aged 23, 24, and 25 from Westminster; and a 24-year-old from Willesden. They remain in custody today (Monday, 28 September) after officers secured an extension to continue holding them under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
The men were arrested in Whelford, Gloucestershire, in the early hours of Sunday after reports of three suspicious vans travelling towards the base at 12.45am. They were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, and subsequently further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Under anti-terrorism legislation, suspects can be held for up to 14 days without charge.
Counter Terrorism Policing is understood to be investigating whether there is any link to Iran. RAF Fairford hosts US Air Force B-1 and B-2 bombers, which have been flying missions against Iran in the ongoing conflict.
The 400-metre cordon erected around the Whelford area remains in place as of Monday morning. Around 85 properties were evacuated overnight, with residents directed to a local leisure centre. Cotswold District Council said it is working to support those affected.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, speaking from the Labour Party conference, renewed his thanks to a local farmer who helped alert police after reportedly seeing “a large group of hooded and masked men” near the airbase. The farmer told the BBC she believes “someone dropped the ball” by allowing the suspects and their vehicles to get so close to homes. Streeting said the 999 caller had “a partial picture” of what occurred.
CNN reported that teams near the scene heard what sounded like two controlled detonations on Sunday.
Sources: Counter Terrorism Policing statement; The Guardian; The Independent; Gloucestershire Live; The Irish Times.
This follows our earlier report: Major incident declared near RAF Fairford as police cordon off airbase and arrest several men.
