A major incident has been declared at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire following the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. Homes in the surrounding area have been evacuated, and the military's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining vehicles near the airbase, which serves as a base for US forces.
Residents from the Whelford area were relocated to a nearby leisure centre as emergency services, including a Hazardous Area Response Team, deployed to the site. According to reports from this morning, officers believe the incident is contained, with a cordon established around the affected zone.
Gloucestershire police issued a statement confirming the evacuation and arrests:
"A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident. It follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."A police spokesperson added that the situation was contained and local people need not be alarmed.
Armed officers were observed blocking access to the main gate of the base, with numerous emergency vehicles including police cars, ambulances and fire engines visible in Fairford on Sunday morning. According to reports, bomb-disposal specialists were among those deployed around the base.
RAF Fairford has been the focus of heightened security concerns and public attention in recent months. The base has hosted anti-war protests throughout 2026 over the British government's decision to permit the United States to use the facility for operations against Iranian missile sites targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In July, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned Britain against allowing US bombers to operate from the location.
When Iran designated British bases as legitimate targets earlier in the year, a government spokesperson responded by stating:
"Our armed forces are ready to keep the United Kingdom safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself."
The base had already experienced security measures in March 2026, when roads around RAF Fairford were closed to address safety and access issues. This latest incident represents a significant escalation in security operations at the facility.
What did the US military say?
A spokesperson for the US Air Force declined to discuss specific force protection measures but emphasised the commitment to safeguarding personnel and installations.
"The 501st Combat Support Wing and our fellow UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of our US service members, civilians, contractors and their families,"the spokesperson said.
"We constantly assess a variety of factors that determine what measures we institute or modify to protect our installations, our people and their families."
Key Facts
- Several men arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire
- Homes evacuated from the Whelford area; residents relocated to a leisure centre
- Army explosive ordnance disposal team inspecting vehicles near the airbase
- RAF Fairford is used by US forces and has been the site of protests over military operations in the Middle East
- Police confirm the incident is contained with a cordon in place
