Major incident declared as properties evacuated near RAF Fairford
Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation as several men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences
Last updated 27th Sep 2026
A major incident has been declared near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as counter-terrorism police lead an investigation into explosive offences.
A number of people living in homes in Whelford, close to the base which is used by the United States Air Force (USAF), have been evacuated.
Armed police and a large emergency services presence was seen in the area, including a Hazardous Area Response Team.
Gloucestershire Police said several men have been arrested this morning (27 September) on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act.
A specialist explosive ordnance disposal team are currently examining a number of vehicles.
A spokesperson said: "A cordon is currently in place but we’d like to reassure people that we believe this incident is contained.
"We are working closely with our partners and are enacting the well-rehearsed plans we have in place."
The police operation was not intelligence-led, meaning investigators had not known about any potential plot in advance.
Defence secretary Wes Streeting has said people “can be reassured” the incident near RAF Fairford is “being dealt with”.
He posted on X: “I would like to thank all those emergency and specialist teams who have acted so swiftly regarding the incident in Gloucestershire.
“We can be reassured that this is being dealt with, and it is exactly why our emergency response teams and Armed Forces are on standby 24/7.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister is being kept updated on the incident in Gloucestershire."
In a post on social media, Roz Savage the MP for South Cotswolds said: "These are worrying scenes just outside the RAF Fairford base.
"I have contacted the police for further updates and I’ve been told that it is believed the incident is contained. I would like to thank them for the work they are currently doing."
RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk is on Charlie alert, the second-highest threat level that can be issued by the US Department of Defence.
US airbase Lakenheath confirmed its current threat level to the Press Association.
This comes after reports that RAF Fairford has been raised to the highest threat level, Delta.
Force Protection Condition (FPCon) Charlie “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities is likely”, according to a US government website.
Delta “applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent”.