BBC Verify geolocates image of arrests to RAF Fairford runway access

Base hosted Strategic Air Command during Cold War, B-52 Iraq raids in 2003

BBC Verify has geolocated an image purporting to show the moment five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, placing the detained men in Whelford about 350 meters from runway access at Crash Gate 6A on the base. The BBC said it was unable to verify the original source of the image but that BBC Verify confirmed it appeared to be authentic.

RAF Fairford is located in the Cotswolds, about four miles (6.4km) south of the town of Fairford, which sits along the River Coln. The base shares a long history with the American military and has been used as a forward operating location by the US Air Force for decades, including by USAF Strategic Air Command during the Cold War and during the first Gulf War in 1991. B-52 bombers were deployed from RAF Fairford on raids to Iraq in 2003.

Most recently, RAF Fairford was used on 1 March after a decision by former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to allow the US to use UK bases — including RAF Fairford — for what the UK government described as “defensive” strikes on Iranian capabilities. Conflict had erupted across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, with Iran responding by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.

The five men were arrested on Sunday by Gloucestershire Police near Whelford, a village about two miles (3.2km) southeast of RAF Fairford, after the force received a call at 00:45 BST about “three suspicious vehicles” traveling toward the base. The five were initially detained on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects arrested on suspicion of such an offence can be detained for up to 14 days without charge, compared with the 24-hour limit for standard arrests without an extension application. The suspects have not been named, and police have not disclosed where they are being held. The BBC reported that the operation was not intelligence-led.

Eighty-five households in the surrounding area were evacuated and urged to shelter at a nearby leisure centre, Gloucestershire Police said. Several people in the leisure centre were still wearing their pyjamas, according to a BBC reporter there. Displaced residents were told they would not be able to return home on Sunday night. Overnight accommodation would be arranged by Cotswold District Council for those unable to stay with family or friends, according to Deputy Chief Executive David Stanley.

Gloucestershire Police Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth told a news conference on Sunday evening that the force would continue to assist Counter Terrorism Policing and liaise with national partners, but said she would leave any declaration of a “terrorist incident” to the counter-terrorism body. Asked whether police were seeking additional individuals in connection with the incident, Blyth said she believed the matter was “contained.”

US President Donald Trump said those arrested were “looking to do big damage,” adding: “We had them under view for a long time, and we got them.” The US military said it was “working closely” with UK counterparts “to monitor this situation, minimise impacts and ensure the safety of US personnel, their families, and the local community.”

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the incident was “deeply concerning” and the government would “always take every step necessary” to protect people. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting declined to comment on a live operation but said he had been in contact with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Asked at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool whether there was any Iranian involvement, Streeting said it was “far too early to comment or speculate, and it would be irresponsible for me to do so.”

Several residents described being woken by police in the early hours of Sunday and ordered to leave their homes. One resident, who gave her name only as Jo, said: “We just had to throw our clothes on and come. We didn’t know anything.” Another, Jason, said: “It all happened very quickly. We just packed our stuff up and came here.” Another resident described the moment he said he saw police apprehend the suspects. Jeff told the BBC he heard “shouting outside his front door,” although he could not be sure where it came from. He said he then looked out of his window and saw “people being held by police outside.” A local resident who did not want to be named told the BBC she had alerted police to suspicious activity near the base early on Sunday, saying she had seen three parked vans and a group of men wearing masks; she said she initially called the Ministry of Defence police but received no answer before dialing 999. The MoD declined to comment.

Bomb disposal teams were deployed to Whelford, where a 400-meter (1,312ft) cordon is in place around the suspect vehicles. Aerial footage showed a remote-controlled robot approaching two stationary white vans in a wooded area, though police have not confirmed the use of such a device.