Police declare major incident near RAF Fairford after explosives arrests

Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident near RAF Fairford and evacuated homes in the village of Whelford on 27 September 2026. Several men were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, and an Army explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles. Residents were taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue, and a cordon is in place.bbc.co.uk

The declaration matters because RAF Fairford hosts United States Air Force personnel and has been used to deploy American bombers since operations against Iran began on 28 February. Police said they believe the incident is contained, which distinguishes it from an ongoing threat to the base itself. The arrests place a criminal explosives investigation alongside a functioning military airfield used by a close ally.theguardian.com

What police declared and why

Police said the men were arrested early on Sunday morning. A number of properties in the Whelford area are being evacuated following the declaration, and residents have been taken to a leisure centre while investigations continue. The Army's specialist explosive ordnance disposal team is examining a number of vehicles. Officers said they believe the incident is contained and are enacting well-rehearsed plans.

Whelford sits around 2 miles from RAF Fairford. A large emergency services presence has been seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team. Armed police have been seen blocking access to the main gate of the base, and police cars, ambulances and fire engines were visible in Fairford on Sunday morning.

RAF Fairford has been used to deploy US bombers since Washington, alongside Israel, began operations against Iran on 28 February, prompting protests outside the base. In March, after then prime minister Sir Keir Starmer granted permission for "defensive" US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases, four American bombers landed at RAF Fairford.

The base's role in Iran operations

The base's role has drawn explicit warnings. In July, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned the UK that any British military base used by the US to launch attacks against Tehran would become a "legitimate target." A government spokesperson said at the time that the UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.politico.eu

Warnings over the base's use

A spokesperson for the US air force declined to discuss specific force protection measures. The spokesperson said the 501st Combat Support Wing and fellow UK-based wings remain vigilant and will take appropriate actions to ensure the safety and security of US service members, civilians, contractors and their families. Gloucestershire Police said properties are being evacuated in Whelford following the declaration of a major incident, and that it follows the arrest of several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act. A police spokesperson added that the situation was contained and said local people need not be alarmed.

Statements from police and US forces

What remains unconfirmed includes the number of people arrested, the specific offences under investigation, and what the explosive ordnance disposal team has found in the vehicles. Police have not said whether the arrests are linked to the base itself or to the protests that have surrounded it. Investigations continue with a cordon in place.