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Police arrest five near RAF Fairford on terrorism suspicions

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 2:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Police Arrest Terrorism Suspects

Police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on explosives and terrorism suspicions.
Police found petrol in three vans but no improvised explosive devices.
All five men, 23-25, from London, were released on bail with strict conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the arrests.
Marco Rubio said a foreign actor, possibly Iran, is involved in the case.

Summary

Army Examines Vans

Police established a 400-metre cordon around the site.
The Army’s EOD unit examined three vans.
A bomb-disposal robot circled the vans, finding two rear doors ajar.
Eighty-five households were evacuated on September 27 and returned that evening after a precautionary sweep.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said the probe was in early stages and partners were involved.

History

Historical Context

The IRA’s 9 February 1996 Docklands truck bomb, which killed two civilians and caused about £150 million in damage, ended its 17-month cease-fire and highlighted the vulnerability of high-profile UK sites. Decades later, a police cordon at RAF Fairford seized three vans and evacuated 85 homes amid a suspected foreign-backed plot, prompting tighter UK-US base security cooperation.

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Police Arrest Terrorism Suspects

Police arrested five men near RAF Fairford on explosives and terrorism suspicions.
Police found petrol in three vans but no improvised explosive devices.
All five men, 23-25, from London, were released on bail with strict conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over the arrests.
Marco Rubio said a foreign actor, possibly Iran, is involved in the case.

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