UK counter-terrorism police probe incident near air base

British counterterrorism police Sunday were reportedly probing a major incident near a base used by the US Air Force after several men were arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses. Issued on: 27/09/2026 - 14:40 3 min Reading time Villagers were evacuated and Army bomb disposal experts were “currently examining a number of vehicles,” police in the southwestern county of Gloucestershire said in a statement. Several UK media outlets, including the BBC and Sky News, reported that the counterterrorism force was leading the investigation into the incident near RAF Fairford, but that was not immediately confirmed to French press agency AFP. A cordon is in place, and officers believe the incident has been “contained.”In March, then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from two UK bases, including Fairford. Prime Minister Andy Burnham was being kept updated on the incident, a government spokesperson said. “We are grateful to the emergency services, who have acted quickly to detain several suspects and put measures in place to keep the community safe,” the spokesperson said. US Airforce crews work on B1 Lancer bombers parked on the apron at RAF Fairford, England, Tuesday, March 10, 2026. © AP - Alastair Grant “It would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.” Defense Minister Wes Streeting thanked “emergency and specialist teams” deployed to the scene. “We can be reassured that this is being dealt with,” he said on X. Media reported a large emergency services presence in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team. “A number of properties are currently being evacuated in the Whelford area following the declaration of a major incident,” Gloucestershire Police said. Several men had been arrested “on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act,” the force added. Villagers evacuated Residents from the nearby village of Whelford had been evacuated to a nearby leisure center, the BBC said. The village of Whelford is located adjacent to the Royal Air Force Fairford base, which is also used by the United States Air Force. Fairford is the UK base of the 501st Combat Support Wing, a US Air Force administrative support wing. It said in a statement that no US Air Force personnel had been involved in the incident. “The 501st Combat Support Wing appreciates the swift response and continued support of our local law enforcement partners,” it said. “We remain in close coordination with our UK partners to help ensure the safety and security of both our military and local communities,” it added. The MP for the area, Roz Savage, described the situation as “worrying.” “I have contacted the police for further updates, and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained,” she said on X. Britain's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, London, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. AP - Carlos Jasso The incident comes amid concerns about the actions of hostile foreign states. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood has accused Iran and Russia of using proxies to carry out criminal activities on their behalf on UK territory. Earlier this month, reports said British military sites were targeted by drones more than 300 times over the past year. Counter-terror police take over investigation into UK politician's killing defence ministry did not disclose who was behind the drone activity, but the figures come as European countries warned of an increase in suspected Russian hybrid operations on their territory. UK armed forces minister Louise Sandher-Jones told AFP in a statement that the government was “taking the threat posed by hostile drones to defence sites extremely seriously.” (With newswires)