LONDON: British police declared a major incident at RAF Fairford in southwest England on Sunday after arresting several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act, while army bomb disposal experts examined a number of vehicles.
Nearby residents were evacuated as security was stepped up around the air base, which is used by US air forces.
Gloucestershire Police said several men had been arrested and that the Army’s specialist explosive ordnance disposal team was examining vehicles as part of the investigation.
“A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” the force said in a statement. Whelford is a village near the air base.
Police later said they believed the incident was contained.
🇬🇧 What we know so far about EXPLOSIVES incident next to UK airbase… not much
Several men have been arrested near RAF Fairford, the British base running U.S strikes on Iran
Gloucestershire Police declared a major incident this morning in Whelford, next to the base.… https://t.co/t8gQrix6ZV pic.twitter.com/Xlld4ApmZy
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 27, 2026
Security operation
A witness, cited by Reuters news agency, said armed police had blocked access to the main gate of RAF Fairford, while equipment had been positioned around access points.
About 30 emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, were stationed in the village of Fairford near the base. Residents from a nearby area were evacuated to a leisure centre, the witness said, according to Reuters.
The Army’s specialist bomb disposal team was examining vehicles, police said.
🇬🇧 MASSIVE emergency response continues next to RAF Fairford
Dozens of police units, ambulances, and bomb disposal teams are on site following multiple arrests under the Explosives Act
Armed police and military forces are maintaining a strict perimeter.
There’s still no word… https://t.co/HT1Uw0jnh7
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 27, 2026
The British government said the prime minister was being updated on the incident, adding that it would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations were under way.
US forces at Fairford
RAF Fairford is used by the US Air Force and has been linked to US military operations in the region.
The British government authorised the United States to use the base to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
A US Air Force spokesperson declined to discuss specific force protection measures but said American forces in Britain remained vigilant, Reuters reported.
“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.”
